Tooley Creek Bridge Replacement Project

Tooley Creek is the primary watershed basin that feeds Lake Quivira, originating near Shawnee Mission Parkway, HyVee, and Broken Arrow School and includes the Lakeview Estates and Hidden Woods neighborhoods. The resulting creek runs nearly all year, emptying into the east silt pond. The creek provides a formidable stream to ford when using the Lake Quivira Trails, thus the bridge.

The existing bridge crossing the creek was constructed in the ‘80s and was well past its useful life. The Natural Resources Committee replaced the bridge in the spring of 2025.

The new bridge design was inspired by numerous bridges observed in other natural settings and features an “outrigger” rail design for added lateral rail support. Lumber for the bridge is custom milled dimensional white oak. Fasteners are heavy duty 5/8 inch galvanized thru bolts and lag screws for long lasting weather resistance. Support for the free span structure was increased from the old two pole design to a heavier three pole design. The new structure was professionally designed and engineered.

Construction began in late March 2025 and included removing the old structure, setting the new poles, then carefully constructing the new decking and railing. Construction was completed by volunteers of the Natural Resources Committee.

Funding for the project, approximately $18,000, was provided by Quivira, Inc. (50%), the Lake Quivira Foundation (25%) and NRC funds (25%), including proceeds from the Duck Derby fundraiser.