US Bridges

S.H. 53 over Big Branch Creek

Good

Carter County, Oklahoma · 6.7 MI E JCT US77 · Structure no. 182870000000000

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
137 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,900
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 1972, so it is 53 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 2,900 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,640 by 2042. The structure is 137 ft (41.8 m) long and 34 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
Location6.7 MI E JCT US77
RouteState Highway 53
CountyCarter County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates34.29209, -97.03837
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 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 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 rating42 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length137 ft (41.8 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,900 (2022)
Projected traffic4,640 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$1.7 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

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

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

About 2,900 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

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

The structure is 137 ft (41.8 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

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

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.