US Bridges

U.S. 281 over S. Canadian River

Good

Canadian County, Oklahoma · Caddo Canadian Cl · Structure no. 040850000000000

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 2024
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
3,971 ft
38 main spans
Daily traffic
1,100
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. 281 over S. Canadian River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying U.S. 281 over S. Canadian River in Canadian County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 2024, so it is 92 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 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,100 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,760 by 2040. The structure is 3,971 ft (1,210.3 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

CarriesU.S. 281
CrossesS. Canadian River
LocationCaddo Canadian Cl
RouteU.S. Route 281
Coordinates35.54028, -98.32278
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.4 US tons
Inventory rating41.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans38 (+2 approach)
Design loadHL 93
Structure length3,971 ft (1,210.3 m)
Longest span101 ft (30.8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,100 (2020)
Projected traffic1,760 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$11.9 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was U.S. 281 over S. Canadian River built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2024.

What condition is U.S. 281 over S. Canadian River 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does U.S. 281 over S. Canadian River carry?

About 1,100 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is U.S. 281 over S. Canadian River?

The structure is 3,971 ft (1,210.3 m) long with a longest span of 101 ft (30.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns U.S. 281 over S. Canadian River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.