US Bridges

U.S. 59 over Poteau River Oflow

Fair

Le Flore County, Oklahoma · 8.09 N JCT US-270 · Structure no. 192180000000000

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
122 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,900
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. 59 over Poteau River Oflow is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying U.S. 59 over Poteau River Oflow in Le Flore County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 9,900 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,840 by 2042. The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

CarriesU.S. 59
CrossesPoteau River Oflow
Location8.09 N JCT US-270
RouteU.S. Route 59
Coordinates34.99864, -94.64616
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length122 ft (37.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.1 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,900 (2022)
Projected traffic15,840 by 2042
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.8 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was U.S. 59 over Poteau River Oflow built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is U.S. 59 over Poteau River Oflow 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 Poteau River Oflow carry?

About 9,900 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is U.S. 59 over Poteau River Oflow?

The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns U.S. 59 over Poteau River Oflow?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.