US Bridges

S.H. 53 over Dry Creek

Fair

Stephens County, Oklahoma · 3.3 MI W JCT US 81 · Structure no. 017330000000000

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1965
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
63 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S.H. 53 over Dry Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S.H. 53 over Dry Creek in Stephens County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1965, so it is 99 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 1,500 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,400 by 2042. The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 42.3 mi (68 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS.H. 53
CrossesDry Creek
Location3.3 MI W JCT US 81
RouteState Highway 53
CountyStephens County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates34.36212, -98.01915
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
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 rating60.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length63 ft (19.2 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,500 (2022)
Projected traffic2,400 by 2042
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed42.3 mi (68 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$1.2 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S.H. 53 over Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1965.

What condition is S.H. 53 over Dry 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does S.H. 53 over Dry Creek carry?

About 1,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is S.H. 53 over Dry Creek?

The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns S.H. 53 over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.