US Bridges

S.H. 53 over Big Branch Creek

Fair

Carter County, Oklahoma · 7.1 MI E JCT US77 · Structure no. 180690000000000

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
152 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S.H. 53 over Big Branch Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S.H. 53 over Big Branch Creek in Carter County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 6 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 1,100 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,760 by 2042. The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

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CarriesS.H. 53
CrossesBig Branch Creek
Location7.1 MI E JCT US77
RouteState Highway 53
CountyCarter County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates34.28959, -97.0309
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
Deck geometry5: 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 rating63.1 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length152 ft (46.3 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,100 (2022)
Projected traffic1,760 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 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$1.8 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S.H. 53 over Big Branch Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is S.H. 53 over Big Branch 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does S.H. 53 over Big Branch Creek carry?

About 1,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is S.H. 53 over Big Branch Creek?

The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns S.H. 53 over Big Branch Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.