US Bridges

S.H. 74 over Black Bear Creek

Fair

Garfield County, Oklahoma · 1.9 MI S JCT SH74 & US64 · Structure no. 183070000000000

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
168 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S.H. 74 over Black Bear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S.H. 74 over Black Bear Creek in Garfield County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 1,600 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,560 by 2042. The structure is 168 ft (51.2 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

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CarriesS.H. 74
CrossesBlack Bear Creek
Location1.9 MI S JCT SH74 & US64
RouteState Highway 74
CountyGarfield County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates36.36955, -97.58629
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating74 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length168 ft (51.2 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,600 (2022)
Projected traffic2,560 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 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$1.9 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S.H. 74 over Black Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is S.H. 74 over Black 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does S.H. 74 over Black Bear Creek carry?

About 1,600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is S.H. 74 over Black Bear Creek?

The structure is 168 ft (51.2 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns S.H. 74 over Black Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.