US Bridges

S.H. 44 over Comet Creek

Good

Custer County, Oklahoma · 9.0 MI N Washita C/L · Structure no. 164340000000000

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
54 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
640
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S.H. 44 over Comet Creek is a concrete culvert carrying S.H. 44 over Comet Creek in Custer County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 640 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,024 by 2042. The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.2 mi (47 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS.H. 44
CrossesComet Creek
Location9.0 MI N Washita C/L
RouteState Highway 44
CountyCuster County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates35.58561, -99.18208
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 inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.2 US tons
Inventory rating36.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length54 ft (16.5 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic640 (2022)
Projected traffic1,024 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.2 mi (47 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. 44 over Comet Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is S.H. 44 over Comet 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does S.H. 44 over Comet Creek carry?

About 640 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is S.H. 44 over Comet Creek?

The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns S.H. 44 over Comet Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.