U.S. 81 over Creek

Good

Grady County, Oklahoma · 1.2 MI N SH17 · Structure no. 168470000000000

Built: 1967; 58 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition: Good; inspected July 2023
Type: Culvert; Concrete
Length: 22 ft; 2 main spans
Daily traffic: 5,700; 2022 count
Owner: State; State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. 81 over Creek is a concrete culvert carrying U.S. 81 over Creek in Grady County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1967 and reconstructed in 1971, so it is 58 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 5,700 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,120 by 2042. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 59 mi (95 km).

Location

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CarriesU.S. 81

CrossesCreek

Location1.2 MI N SH17

RouteU.S. Route 81

CountyGrady County

StateOklahoma

Coordinates34.8031, -97.9663

Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

Component	Rating	Meaning
Channel and channel protection	5 Fair	All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert	7 Good	Some minor problems.

Last inspectionJuly 2023

Inspection intervalevery 24 months

Operating statusOpen, no restriction

ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem

Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 spans2

Design loadHS 20

Structure length22 ft (6.7 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 traffic5,700 (2022)

Projected traffic9,120 by 2042

Trucks25%

Lanes on structure5

Traffic directionTwo-way traffic

CarriesHighway

CrossesWaterway

Detour if closed59 mi (95 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation

Estimated improvement cost$644,000

NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was U.S. 81 over Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is U.S. 81 over 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 2023.

How much traffic does U.S. 81 over Creek carry?

About 5,700 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is U.S. 81 over Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns U.S. 81 over Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.