US Bridges

I-35 over Tulip Creek

Good

Carter County, Oklahoma · 1.2 MI N JCT SH53 · Structure no. 171780000000000

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
42 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
30,800
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-35 over Tulip Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I-35 over Tulip Creek in Carter County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 30,800 vehicles a day, roughly 36% of them trucks, projected to reach 49,280 by 2042. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesI-35
CrossesTulip Creek
Location1.2 MI N JCT SH53
RouteInterstate 35
CountyCarter County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates34.34922, -97.1484
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.6 US tons
Inventory rating24.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 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 traffic30,800 (2022)
Projected traffic49,280 by 2042
Trucks36%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$1.5 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-35 over Tulip Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-35 over Tulip 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does I-35 over Tulip Creek carry?

About 30,800 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 36% are trucks.

How long is I-35 over Tulip Creek?

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

Who owns I-35 over Tulip Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.