US Bridges

I-44 over Sitting Bear Creek

Fair

Comanche County, Oklahoma · 10.8 MI N of SH 36 · Structure no. 127950000000000

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
52 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
26,600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-44 over Sitting Bear Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I-44 over Sitting Bear Creek in Comanche County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 26,600 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 42,560 by 2042. The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 41 mi (66 km).

Location

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CarriesI-44
CrossesSitting Bear Creek
Location10.8 MI N of SH 36
RouteInterstate 44
CountyComanche County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates34.65154, -98.38459
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: 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 rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length52 ft (15.8 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26,600 (2022)
Projected traffic42,560 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed41 mi (66 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-44 over Sitting Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-44 over Sitting Bear 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does I-44 over Sitting Bear Creek carry?

About 26,600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is I-44 over Sitting Bear Creek?

The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m).

Who owns I-44 over Sitting Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.