US Bridges

U.S. 81 over Creek

Good

Jefferson County, Oklahoma · 4.2 MI N JCT US70 · Structure no. 022020000000000

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,900
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 Jefferson County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1959, so it is 96 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 2,900 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,640 by 2042. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 42.3 mi (68 km).

CarriesU.S. 81
CrossesCreek
Location4.2 MI N JCT US70
RouteU.S. Route 81
Coordinates34.21891, -97.98211
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 inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating37.1 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 width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,900 (2022)
Projected traffic4,640 by 2042
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed42.3 mi (68 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$644,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was U.S. 81 over Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

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 April 2024.

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

About 2,900 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) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns U.S. 81 over Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.