US Bridges

S.H. 29 over Black Bear Creek

Fair

Stephens County, Oklahoma · 6.4 MI W JCT SH 76 · Structure no. 049700000000000

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1940
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
64 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,800
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S.H. 29 over Black Bear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S.H. 29 over Black Bear Creek in Stephens County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1940, so it is 89 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 1,800 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,880 by 2042. The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 47.2 mi (76 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS.H. 29
CrossesBlack Bear Creek
Location6.4 MI W JCT SH 76
RouteState Highway 29
CountyStephens County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates34.63778, -97.70937
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating42.7 US tons
Inventory rating25.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length64 ft (19.5 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.9 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 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 closed47.2 mi (76 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. 29 over Black Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1940.

What condition is S.H. 29 over Black Bear 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. 29 over Black Bear Creek carry?

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

How long is S.H. 29 over Black Bear Creek?

The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.9 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns S.H. 29 over Black Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.