US Bridges

U.S. 81 over Squirrel Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Oklahoma · 3.5 MI S JCT US70 · Structure no. 037270000000000

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
61 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. 81 over Squirrel Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying U.S. 81 over Squirrel Creek in Jefferson County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 93 years old, older than the Oklahoma average of 47.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 2,000 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,200 by 2042. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 60.3 mi (97 km).

Location

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CarriesU.S. 81
CrossesSquirrel Creek
Location3.5 MI S JCT US70
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountyJefferson County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates34.11202, -97.96169
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: 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 rating86 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.6 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,000 (2022)
Projected traffic3,200 by 2042
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed60.3 mi (97 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.2 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is U.S. 81 over Squirrel Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

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

About 2,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

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

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.6 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns U.S. 81 over Squirrel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.