US Bridges

S.H. 15 over Buzzard Creek

Fair

Ellis County, Oklahoma · 9.8 MI NE US283 · Structure no. 243970000000000

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
363 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,400
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S.H. 15 over Buzzard Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S.H. 15 over Buzzard Creek in Ellis County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 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 2,400 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,840 by 2042. The structure is 363 ft (110.6 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.7 mi (72 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS.H. 15
CrossesBuzzard Creek
Location9.8 MI NE US283
RouteState Highway 15
CountyEllis County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates36.31886, -99.72528
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79 US tons
Inventory rating47 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length363 ft (110.6 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,400 (2022)
Projected traffic3,840 by 2042
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.7 mi (72 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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. 15 over Buzzard Creek built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is S.H. 15 over Buzzard 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does S.H. 15 over Buzzard Creek carry?

About 2,400 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is S.H. 15 over Buzzard Creek?

The structure is 363 ft (110.6 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns S.H. 15 over Buzzard Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.