TULSA, Okla. (AP) — A historic but dilapidated Tulsa bridge that has been closed for nearly four decades should be restored for pedestrian use, according to preservationists.

The Route 66 Commission has proposed reopening the 11th Street Arkansas River Bridge for the first time since 1980, Tulsa World reported.

"It's important to save this bridge because this bridge is the reason Route 66 came through Tulsa," said Amanda DeCort, chairwoman of the Route 66 Commission's Preservation and Design committee. "And it's a big part of our history."

DeCort said an active pedestrian bridge would be an id...