US Bridges

S.H. 51 over Ross Branch

Fair

Cherokee County, Oklahoma · 18.1 MI E Wagoner C/L · Structure no. 234960000000000

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
45 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,900
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S.H. 51 over Ross Branch is a concrete culvert carrying S.H. 51 over Ross Branch in Cherokee County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 years old, younger 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 7,900 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,640 by 2042. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.1 mi (63 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS.H. 51
CrossesRoss Branch
Location18.1 MI E Wagoner C/L
RouteState Highway 51
CountyCherokee County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates35.89339, -94.9974
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,900 (2022)
Projected traffic12,640 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.1 mi (63 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$1.1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S.H. 51 over Ross Branch built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is S.H. 51 over Ross Branch 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does S.H. 51 over Ross Branch carry?

About 7,900 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is S.H. 51 over Ross Branch?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6 m).

Who owns S.H. 51 over Ross Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.