US Bridges

I-40 over Elk Creek

Fair

Beckham County, Oklahoma · 0.3 MI E S.H. 6 · Structure no. 175130000000000

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
160 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40 over Elk Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-40 over Elk Creek in Beckham County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 5 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 7,600 vehicles a day, roughly 40% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,160 by 2042. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 40 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-40
CrossesElk Creek
Location0.3 MI E S.H. 6
RouteInterstate 40
CountyBeckham County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates35.39362, -99.39781
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,600 (2022)
Projected traffic12,160 by 2042
Trucks40%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.9 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-40 over Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-40 over Elk Creek 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does I-40 over Elk Creek carry?

About 7,600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 40% are trucks.

How long is I-40 over Elk Creek?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns I-40 over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.