Pensacola Dam To Be Closed to Traffic Through March 2021

Updated November 16, 2020

Rumors continue to swirl in the South Grand Lake area that the resurfacing project across the Pensacola Dam is ahead of schedule, and, with the cooperation of the weather, the Dam portion of the project could be completed as early as January.

At that time, the project moves to the two smaller spillway bridges to the East of Disney.

We’ll do our best to keep yo updated.

---

This project is part of a large-scale resurfacing project for the dam and given the age of the dam and width of the roadway, total closure of the roadway is apparently the best option.

The most practical way to get to the Disney side of the dam from Langley is to take Highway 82 South out of Langley to Highway 20, and then take Highway 20 East towards Jay to the intersection of Highway 28.

At that point, turn back to the North/West on Highway 28 and that will lead you to Disney.

ODOT, GRDA Continue Plans for Pensacola Dam Closure

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation will continue to initiate plans to join the Grand River Dam Authority on a project to make critical repairs to the Oklahoma 28 bridge at the Pensacola Dam at Grand Lake between Langley and Disney in Mayes County.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation, which is responsible for maintaining the road surface, will spend about $5 million on the project, while the GRDA, which maintains the structure, will contribute more than $9 million.

The bridge is considered functionally obsolete and has a weight limit of 16 tons.

The GRDA has twice applied for federal grants to widen and reconstruct the bridge, but additional federal funds have been denied.

The project has moved forward to make critical repairs to the Pensacola Dam and two spillway bridges to include resurfacing of the existing bridge.

Officials plan to begin construction on September 14, after the Labor Day holiday.

The project is expected to take about nine months to complete and will require the highway to be closed during certain phases of construction.

ODOT will have a marked detour for drivers that need to travel around the bridge.

Again, stay tuned for more details.

By the way… are you interested in the history of the Pensacola Dam? Go HERE for an ongoing series from GRDA highlighting the history of the dam through stories, memories, and photos.