US Bridges

U.S. 59 over Poteau River

Fair

Le Flore County, Oklahoma · 11.54 NW JCT US-259 · Structure no. 224080000000000

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
402 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,300
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. 59 over Poteau River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying U.S. 59 over Poteau River in Le Flore County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 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 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 4,300 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,880 by 2042. The structure is 402 ft (122.5 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 72.1 mi (116 km).

CarriesU.S. 59
CrossesPoteau River
Location11.54 NW JCT US-259
RouteU.S. Route 59
Coordinates34.85779, -94.62934
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating85 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length402 ft (122.5 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,300 (2022)
Projected traffic6,880 by 2042
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed72.1 mi (116 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
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 built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is U.S. 59 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does U.S. 59 over Poteau River carry?

About 4,300 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

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

The structure is 402 ft (122.5 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns U.S. 59 over Poteau River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.