US Bridges

U.S. 81 over Washita River

Good

Grady County, Oklahoma · 1.7 MI N US62 · Structure no. 181330000000000

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
400 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
4,100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. 81 over Washita River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying U.S. 81 over Washita River 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 4,100 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,560 by 2042. The structure is 400 ft (121.9 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 32.9 mi (53 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesU.S. 81
CrossesWashita River
Location1.7 MI N US62
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountyGrady County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates35.08506, -97.96003
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length400 ft (121.9 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.1 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,100 (2022)
Projected traffic6,560 by 2042
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed32.9 mi (53 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$2.8 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was U.S. 81 over Washita River built?

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

What condition is U.S. 81 over Washita River 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 Washita River carry?

About 4,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is U.S. 81 over Washita River?

The structure is 400 ft (121.9 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns U.S. 81 over Washita River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.