US Bridges

U.S. 81 over Rush Creek

Good

Grady County, Oklahoma · 6.9 MI N Stephens CO · Structure no. 179730000000000

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,200
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. 81 over Rush Creek is a concrete culvert carrying U.S. 81 over Rush Creek in Grady County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 6,200 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,920 by 2042. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 59 mi (95 km).

Location

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CarriesU.S. 81
CrossesRush Creek
Location6.9 MI N Stephens CO
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountyGrady County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates34.77894, -97.96614
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.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: 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 rating36.3 US tons
Inventory rating21.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (7.9 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 traffic6,200 (2022)
Projected traffic9,920 by 2042
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure4
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 Rush Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is U.S. 81 over Rush 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 Rush Creek carry?

About 6,200 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is U.S. 81 over Rush Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns U.S. 81 over Rush Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.