US Bridges

S.H. 9 a over Poteau River

Fair

Le Flore County, Oklahoma · 6.73 NE JCT US-271 · Structure no. 198310000000000

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
510 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,700
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S.H. 9 a over Poteau River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S.H. 9 a over Poteau River in Le Flore County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger 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 1,700 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,720 by 2042. The structure is 510 ft (155.4 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS.H. 9 a
CrossesPoteau River
Location6.73 NE JCT US-271
RouteState Highway 9A
CountyLe Flore County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates35.3465, -94.45452
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: 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 rating82 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length510 ft (155.4 m)
Longest span210 ft (64 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,700 (2022)
Projected traffic2,720 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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$3.6 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S.H. 9 a over Poteau River built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is S.H. 9 a over Poteau River 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does S.H. 9 a over Poteau River carry?

About 1,700 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is S.H. 9 a over Poteau River?

The structure is 510 ft (155.4 m) long with a longest span of 210 ft (64 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns S.H. 9 a over Poteau River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.