Discover OKC's Iconic SkyDance (Scissortail) Bridge

Oklahoma City SkyDance Bridge

Every city has an iconic landmark and unique attractions that symbolize the city’s identity. Oklahoma City is no exception, with a number of must-see sites. If you are visiting Oklahoma City for the first time, make sure to stop by the famed SkyDance Bridge (often referred to as Scissortail Bridge) to see the picturesque structure. Or at least drive underneath it along Interstate 40!

skydance bridge in oklahoma. Large metal bridge over Interstate 40

Soonerliberal, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

About SkyDance Bridge

The SkyDance bridge, which opened to foot traffic on April 23, 2012, quickly became a landmark in Oklahoma City. The 380-foot-long pedestrian bridge spans Interstate 40 with the wings of the sculpture reaching 197 feet into the air. It’s completely made of steel with a capacity of 412 tons. At night, it is powered with LED lights that change based on the color for holidays and special events.

This magnificent bridge also links the lower and upper sections of Scissortail Park. This park is a 70-acre urban public green space for recreational and educational activities extending from downtown Oklahoma City to the shore of the Oklahoma River. Start your short stroll across the sky dance bridge from the upper part of Scissortail park, which is closer to downtown. Scissortail Park is located at 300 SW 7th Street, between Robinson and Hudson Avenues.

TIP: Dusk is the best time to visit the bridge, because you can see it light up with its changing colors while also able to see the amazing art piece with a bit of sunlight. It’s the best time to snap some photos!

The Architecture

The design of the bridge was inspired by the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, which is the state bird of Oklahoma. The bridge is 380 ft long and 30 ft wide, and its unique hybrid architecture is made up of a tri-chord vertical cantilever and a simple span truss bridge. This was made to be divided into parts to be the hub, legs, wings, and tail just like how the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is. Additionally, the wings were inspired by the flycatcher’s light bone structure, in which an outer “skin” wraps around a hollow core. The wings were made up of almost 600 angled steel “feathers” to give the structure a distinctive textured look.

A Green Project

The purpose of the installation was to stimulate local industry and to use eco-friendly solutions if possible. Together with the help of lighting contractors, local steel fabricators, and lighting suppliers, all installation and raw materials needed for the project were met. The choice to use mostly eco-friendly materials in the construction of the project helps to reduce transportation costs and support in-state jobs. The goal was to minimize environmental impact and maximize the lifespan of the project, which was accomplished by using durable materials like glulam wood decking and steel. The lighting system is predicted to have an energy cost of less than $2,000 per year, making it a very green solution.

Where is SkyDance Bridge Located?

SkyDance Bridge connects the upper and lower parts of Scissortail park. You can either get to it by entering the park and walking over to it; or if you just want to catch a glimpse of the magnificent structure, then just keep driving along Interstate 40 near downtown, and you’ll see it between Walker and Robinson. (You can’t miss it!) I recommend driving by around dusk. It’ll be lit up, yet it’s still light enough to see the surroundings of the structure.

Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll, admiring the city skyline, or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, a trip to the SkyDance Bridge is sure to be a memorable experience. So next time you’re in Oklahoma City or the downtown area, make sure you stop by to see this amazing structure!