US Bridges

U.S. 81 over Buckhorn Creek

Good

Grady County, Oklahoma · 1.9 MI N Stephens CO · Structure no. 214830000000000

Built
1987
38 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,200
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. 81 over Buckhorn Creek is a concrete culvert carrying U.S. 81 over Buckhorn Creek in Grady County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1987 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 38 years old, younger 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 7,200 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,520 by 2042. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 158 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 59 mi (95 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesU.S. 81
CrossesBuckhorn Creek
Location1.9 MI N Stephens CO
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountyGrady County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates34.70884, -97.95795
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 evaluation7: Better than 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 rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width158 ft (48.2 m)
Roadway width158 ft (48.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,200 (2022)
Projected traffic11,520 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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$896,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was U.S. 81 over Buckhorn Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

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

About 7,200 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

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

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 158 ft wide.

Who owns U.S. 81 over Buckhorn Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.