Oklahoma's new conveyor bridge on the I-44/Turner Turnpike is grabbing attention for replacing truck drivers during road construction.

The situation: The conveyor bridge was installed this month at mile marker 203 near Kellyville. It helps move concrete across the turnpike, cutting down on the number of concrete trucks entering the traffic.

• The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority claims this setup will avoid about 8,300 trips by concrete trucks, enhancing safety for both workers and drivers.
• An impressive 83,000 cubic yards of concrete will pass over this bridge during construction.

The concerns: Some are worried about the impact on truckers. "That's a lot of drivers out of a job," a commenter pointed out.

In context: Other states, like Utah, have used similar conveyor bridges before, showing it's not a brand new concept.

As this unfolds, it's clear that the construction industry is looking for more efficient solutions, but the reaction from the trucking community remains cautious.