US Bridges

U.S. 81 over Little Turkey Creek

Fair

Kingfisher County, Oklahoma · 3.5 MI S JCT SH 51 · Structure no. 138080000000000

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
63 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,800
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. 81 over Little Turkey Creek is a concrete culvert carrying U.S. 81 over Little Turkey Creek in Kingfisher County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 68 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 5,800 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,280 by 2042. The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 54.7 mi (88 km).

CarriesU.S. 81
CrossesLittle Turkey Creek
Location3.5 MI S JCT SH 51
RouteU.S. Route 81
Coordinates36.06689, -97.89913
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length63 ft (19.2 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,800 (2022)
Projected traffic9,280 by 2042
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed54.7 mi (88 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkSTRAHNET connector

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$778,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was U.S. 81 over Little Turkey Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is U.S. 81 over Little Turkey 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 May 2024.

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

About 5,800 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is U.S. 81 over Little Turkey Creek?

The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m).

Who owns U.S. 81 over Little Turkey Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.