US Bridges

U.S. 81 over UP R.R. & Cow Creek

Good

Jefferson County, Oklahoma · 8.7 MI N JCT US70 · Structure no. 226850000000000

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
1,011 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
2,800
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. 81 over UP R.R. & Cow Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying U.S. 81 over UP R.R. & Cow Creek in Jefferson County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 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 2,800 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,480 by 2042. The structure is 1,011 ft (308.2 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 52.8 mi (85 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesU.S. 81
CrossesUP R.R. & Cow Creek
Location8.7 MI N JCT US70
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountyJefferson County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates34.27695, -97.96152
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 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 rating89.9 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,011 ft (308.2 m)
Longest span101 ft (30.8 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,800 (2022)
Projected traffic4,480 by 2042
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad and waterway
Detour if closed52.8 mi (85 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$5.9 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was U.S. 81 over UP R.R. & Cow Creek built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is U.S. 81 over UP R.R. & Cow 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 UP R.R. & Cow Creek carry?

About 2,800 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is U.S. 81 over UP R.R. & Cow Creek?

The structure is 1,011 ft (308.2 m) long with a longest span of 101 ft (30.8 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns U.S. 81 over UP R.R. & Cow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.