US Bridges

S.H. 31 over Blue Creek

Fair

Pittsburg County, Oklahoma · 13.05 E JCT US 270 · Structure no. 055040000000000

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
163 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,900
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S.H. 31 over Blue Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S.H. 31 over Blue Creek in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 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 1,900 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,040 by 2042. The structure is 163 ft (49.7 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 46 mi (74 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS.H. 31
CrossesBlue Creek
Location13.05 E JCT US 270
RouteState Highway 31
CountyPittsburg County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates35.04029, -95.57267
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50.7 US tons
Inventory rating30.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length163 ft (49.7 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,900 (2022)
Projected traffic3,040 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed46 mi (74 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$1.9 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S.H. 31 over Blue Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is S.H. 31 over Blue 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does S.H. 31 over Blue Creek carry?

About 1,900 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is S.H. 31 over Blue Creek?

The structure is 163 ft (49.7 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns S.H. 31 over Blue Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.