US Bridges

U.S. 259 over Bethel Creek

Good

McCurtain County, Oklahoma · 24.8 N JCT US-70 · Structure no. 142620000000000

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,800
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. 259 over Bethel Creek is a concrete culvert carrying U.S. 259 over Bethel Creek in McCurtain County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 years old, older 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,800 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,880 by 2042. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesU.S. 259
CrossesBethel Creek
Location24.8 N JCT US-70
RouteU.S. Route 259
Coordinates34.3604, -94.81217
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.7 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,800 (2022)
Projected traffic2,880 by 2042
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$644,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was U.S. 259 over Bethel Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is U.S. 259 over Bethel 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does U.S. 259 over Bethel Creek carry?

About 1,800 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is U.S. 259 over Bethel Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns U.S. 259 over Bethel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.