US Bridges

NW Expressway over Bluff Creek

Fair

Oklahoma County, Oklahoma · 3.5 MI E Canadian · Structure no. 063970000000000

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1979
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
47 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
48,400
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

NW Expressway over Bluff Creek is a concrete culvert carrying NW Expressway over Bluff Creek in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1979, so it is 87 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 48,400 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 77,440 by 2042. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNW Expressway
CrossesBluff Creek
Location3.5 MI E Canadian
RouteState Highway 0
CountyOklahoma County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates35.55079, -97.62225
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic48,400 (2022)
Projected traffic77,440 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$941,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NW Expressway over Bluff Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.

What condition is NW Expressway over Bluff 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does NW Expressway over Bluff Creek carry?

About 48,400 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NW Expressway over Bluff Creek?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m).

Who owns NW Expressway over Bluff Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency and maintained by the County Highway Agency.