US Bridges

S.H. 53 over Cow Creek

Fair

Stephens County, Oklahoma · SH 53; 0.3 MI E JCT US 81 · Structure no. 019220000000000

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
129 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S.H. 53 over Cow Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S.H. 53 over Cow Creek in Stephens County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1927, so it is 98 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 3,500 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,600 by 2042. The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.7 mi (72 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS.H. 53
CrossesCow Creek
LocationSH 53; 0.3 MI E JCT US 81
RouteState Highway 53
CountyStephens County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates34.36888, -97.95969
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
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 rating37.3 US tons
Inventory rating22.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length129 ft (39.3 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,500 (2022)
Projected traffic5,600 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.7 mi (72 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$1.7 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025.

What condition is S.H. 53 over Cow 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 Cow Creek carry?

About 3,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

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

The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns S.H. 53 over Cow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.