James C. Nance Memorial Bridge

The James C. Nance Memorial Bridge is a truss bridge structure that spans the Canadian River in Oklahoma, connecting the towns of Purcell and Lexington. The current structure is a four-lane concrete bridge completed after a full reconstruction in 2019.

The original structure was built in 1938 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. A comprehensive renewal project in 2019 replaced the original truss design with a modern concrete structure.

The bridge carries the name of James C. Nance, a newspaper publisher who held important positions in Oklahoma politics. His name reflects the region's connection to local leadership and development.

The bridge carries two major road routes and allows direct passage across the river. Keep in mind that this is an active traffic route and not designed as a viewing point.

The reconstruction project integrated elements from the 1938 original design into the new structure. This approach combines memory of the earlier construction with modern safety and capacity requirements.

Location: Oklahoma

Official opening: 1938

GPS coordinates: 35.01500,-97.34389

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:22