Williams Crossing Named 2026 Bridge of the Year
The Tulsa structure earned the national award for its innovative multi-span design over the Arkansas River.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Awards
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The American Institute of Steel Construction has named Tulsa's Williams Crossing the 2026 Bridge of the Year in the Special Purpose category. The recognition follows the bridge's completion in 2024 after being funded by the 2016 Vision Tulsa initiative.
Why it matters
This award highlights Tulsa's infrastructure investment and the engineering success of a project that connects city spaces. It marks the first time this specific type of deck-stiffened plate-arch bridge has been built in the United States.
Williams Crossing spans 1,440 feet across the Arkansas River and features 12 structural spans. The construction utilized uncoated weathering steel to achieve its unique plate-arch design.
The players
American Institute of Steel Construction
This is a non-profit technical institute and trade association that provides structural steel design and construction information.
National Steel Bridge Alliance
This organization is a division of the American Institute of Steel Construction that promotes the use of structural steel for bridge projects.
Williams Crossing
This is a pedestrian bridge in Tulsa that connects the River Parks and the Gathering Place.
The details
The American Institute of Steel Construction and the National Steel Bridge Alliance selected the project following presentations from finalists at the World Steel Bridge Symposium. The bridge serves as a connector between the River Parks and the Gathering Place, representing a collaborative effort between public and private partners.
Timeline
Voters approved the Vision Tulsa funding in 2016.
Bridge construction was completed in 2024.
Williams Crossing was named Bridge of the Year in 2026.
Roadmap
The success of Williams Crossing follows the pattern of development established by Vision Tulsa. This project serves as a physical manifestation of the infrastructure goals set by the 2016 voter-approved initiative.
Residents and visitors now benefit from a nationally recognized landmark that improves connectivity between major city attractions like the Gathering Place and River Parks. The award highlights the practical success of the taxpayer-funded initiative that enabled the bridge's construction.
The takeaway
The recognition of Williams Crossing demonstrates how municipal investment can result in world-class infrastructure that achieves both functional and aesthetic goals. Local residents can continue to utilize this award-winning connection as a central hub for outdoor activity and city transit.
Further reading
For more information on local civic projects, see Awards.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fox23.
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