US Bridges

S.H. 53 over Buzzard Creek

Good

Carter County, Oklahoma · 0.6 MI E JCT U.S. 77 · Structure no. 189240000000000

Built
1975
50 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
39 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S.H. 53 over Buzzard Creek is a concrete culvert carrying S.H. 53 over Buzzard Creek in Carter County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1975 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 50 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 3,600 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,760 by 2042. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesS.H. 53
CrossesBuzzard Creek
Location0.6 MI E JCT U.S. 77
RouteState Highway 53
CountyCarter County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates34.30354, -97.13279
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.4 US tons
Inventory rating24.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,600 (2022)
Projected traffic5,760 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$644,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S.H. 53 over Buzzard Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is S.H. 53 over Buzzard 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 Buzzard Creek carry?

About 3,600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is S.H. 53 over Buzzard Creek?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns S.H. 53 over Buzzard Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.