US Bridges

S.H. 53 over Big Branch Creek

Fair

Carter County, Oklahoma · 5.5 MI E JCT US77 · Structure no. 190460000000000

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
122 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,300
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 1975, 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 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 3,300 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,280 by 2042. The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesS.H. 53
CrossesBig Branch Creek
Location5.5 MI E JCT US77
RouteState Highway 53
CountyCarter County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates34.30022, -97.04766
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length122 ft (37.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width46 ft (13.9 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,300 (2022)
Projected traffic5,280 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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$1.6 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 1975, making it 50 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 3,300 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

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

The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

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

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.