US Bridges

S.H. 44 over South Elk Creek

Good

Kiowa County, Oklahoma · 3.3 N of S.H. 9 · Structure no. 280070000000000

Built
2006
19 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
151 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
480
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S.H. 44 over South Elk Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S.H. 44 over South Elk Creek in Kiowa County, Oklahoma. It was built in 2006, so it is 19 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 480 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 768 by 2042. The structure is 151 ft (45.9 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

CarriesS.H. 44
CrossesSouth Elk Creek
Location3.3 N of S.H. 9
RouteState Highway 44
Coordinates35.05034, -99.18409
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length151 ft (45.9 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic480 (2022)
Projected traffic768 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.5 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S.H. 44 over South Elk Creek built?

It was built in 2006, making it 19 years old in 2025.

What condition is S.H. 44 over South Elk 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does S.H. 44 over South Elk Creek carry?

About 480 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is S.H. 44 over South Elk Creek?

The structure is 151 ft (45.9 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns S.H. 44 over South Elk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.