Record Rainfall Floods Red River, Stops $480M I-35 Bridge Project

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Oklahoma shattered an 83-year rainfall record with 8.74 inches in April 2025, turning the Red River into a raging torrent.

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The surging waters have now reached the critical $480 million I-35 bridge construction site connecting Texas and Oklahoma.

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Construction equipment left in the riverbed sits completely submerged, visible to drivers crossing the existing span.

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This isn't just another infrastructure project – the bridge must handle growth from 150,000 daily crossings today to a projected 1.4 million in 20 years.

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Upstream reservoirs are performing a delicate balancing act, with controlled releases managing water levels throughout the system.

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The human toll has been severe – emergency crews have conducted boat rescues in Lexington and Blanchard as flash flooding swept through communities.

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Multiple flood-related fatalities have been reported across Oklahoma counties, showing the devastating power of floodwaters.

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The new bridge design includes flood-resilient features – but can they withstand increasingly extreme weather events?

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Climate research shows April heavy-rain probability in the Southern Plains has increased 10-40% since 1960. How will this trend affect future infrastructure?

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NOAA forecasts warn of "2-4 inches of additional rain mid-week" – potentially worsening conditions at the construction site.

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