US Bridges

U.S. 59 over Polk Creek

Fair

Le Flore County, Oklahoma · 4.18 N JCT US-271 · Structure no. 097880000000000

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 1973
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
54 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,700
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. 59 over Polk Creek is a concrete culvert carrying U.S. 59 over Polk Creek in Le Flore County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 1973, so it is 84 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 5 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 15,700 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,120 by 2042. The structure is 54 ft (16.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 66.5 mi (107 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesU.S. 59
CrossesPolk Creek
Location4.18 N JCT US-271
RouteU.S. Route 59
CountyLe Flore County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates35.08447, -94.6299
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: 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 rating41.4 US tons
Inventory rating24.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length54 ft (16.6 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 traffic15,700 (2022)
Projected traffic25,120 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed66.5 mi (107 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$733,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was U.S. 59 over Polk Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1973.

What condition is U.S. 59 over Polk 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does U.S. 59 over Polk Creek carry?

About 15,700 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is U.S. 59 over Polk Creek?

The structure is 54 ft (16.6 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m).

Who owns U.S. 59 over Polk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.