US Bridges

S.H. 49 over Medicine Creek

Fair

Comanche County, Oklahoma · 5.9 Mi.W. Jct. US62 · Structure no. 100750000000000

Built
1943
82 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
362 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,200
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S.H. 49 over Medicine Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S.H. 49 over Medicine Creek in Comanche County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1943, so it is 82 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 5 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 1,200 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,920 by 2042. The structure is 362 ft (110.3 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.7 mi (43 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS.H. 49
CrossesMedicine Creek
Location5.9 Mi.W. Jct. US62
RouteState Highway 49
CountyComanche County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates34.72282, -98.49726
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 20
Structure length362 ft (110.3 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,200 (2022)
Projected traffic1,920 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.7 mi (43 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$2.7 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S.H. 49 over Medicine Creek built?

It was built in 1943, making it 82 years old in 2025.

What condition is S.H. 49 over Medicine 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does S.H. 49 over Medicine Creek carry?

About 1,200 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is S.H. 49 over Medicine Creek?

The structure is 362 ft (110.3 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns S.H. 49 over Medicine Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.