US Bridges

U.S. 69 over Elm Creek

Good

Atoka County, Oklahoma · 12.04 N JCT SH-7 · Structure no. 072120000000000

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
42 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. 69 over Elm Creek is a concrete culvert carrying U.S. 69 over Elm Creek in Atoka County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 86 years old, older than the Oklahoma average of 47.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 15,000 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,000 by 2042. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 78.3 mi (126 km).

CarriesU.S. 69
CrossesElm Creek
Location12.04 N JCT SH-7
RouteU.S. Route 69
Coordinates34.52109, -96.03517
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.6 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,000 (2022)
Projected traffic24,000 by 2042
Trucks29%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed78.3 mi (126 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$867,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was U.S. 69 over Elm Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is U.S. 69 over Elm Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does U.S. 69 over Elm Creek carry?

About 15,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is U.S. 69 over Elm Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns U.S. 69 over Elm Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.