US Bridges

U.S. 59 over Shell Branch West

Fair

Adair County, Oklahoma · 7.2 Mi.N.Jct.Sh 51 · Structure no. 016760000000000

Built
1926
99 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,800
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. 59 over Shell Branch West is a concrete culvert carrying U.S. 59 over Shell Branch West in Adair County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1926, so it is 99 years old, older than the Oklahoma average of 47.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 3,800 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,080 by 2042. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 32.9 mi (53 km).

CarriesU.S. 59
CrossesShell Branch West
Location7.2 Mi.N.Jct.Sh 51
RouteU.S. Route 59
Coordinates35.92628, -94.61405
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.9 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,800 (2022)
Projected traffic6,080 by 2042
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed32.9 mi (53 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$644,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was U.S. 59 over Shell Branch West built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025.

What condition is U.S. 59 over Shell Branch West in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does U.S. 59 over Shell Branch West carry?

About 3,800 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is U.S. 59 over Shell Branch West?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns U.S. 59 over Shell Branch West?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.