US Bridges

U.S. 281 over Wild Cat Creek

Fair

Caddo County, Oklahoma · 0.3 MI W SH 152 · Structure no. 151700000000000

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
203 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. 281 over Wild Cat Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying U.S. 281 over Wild Cat Creek in Caddo County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 2,500 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,000 by 2042. The structure is 203 ft (61.9 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 59 mi (95 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesU.S. 281
CrossesWild Cat Creek
Location0.3 MI W SH 152
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyCaddo County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates35.2944, -98.2765
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length203 ft (61.9 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,500 (2022)
Projected traffic4,000 by 2042
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed59 mi (95 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$2.1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was U.S. 281 over Wild Cat Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is U.S. 281 over Wild Cat 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does U.S. 281 over Wild Cat Creek carry?

About 2,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is U.S. 281 over Wild Cat Creek?

The structure is 203 ft (61.9 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns U.S. 281 over Wild Cat Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.