US Bridges

U.S. 59 over Drowning Creek

Fair

Delaware County, Oklahoma · 6.3 MI N SH20 · Structure no. 184230000000000

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. 59 over Drowning Creek is a concrete culvert carrying U.S. 59 over Drowning Creek in Delaware County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 7,600 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,160 by 2042. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 60.3 mi (97 km).

Location

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CarriesU.S. 59
CrossesDrowning Creek
Location6.3 MI N SH20
RouteU.S. Route 59
CountyDelaware County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates36.47949, -94.78185
Functional classRural Minor 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 inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68.6 US tons
Inventory rating41.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,600 (2022)
Projected traffic12,160 by 2042
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed60.3 mi (97 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$663,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was U.S. 59 over Drowning Creek built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is U.S. 59 over Drowning 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 2024.

How much traffic does U.S. 59 over Drowning Creek carry?

About 7,600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is U.S. 59 over Drowning Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns U.S. 59 over Drowning Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.