US Bridges

U.S. 81 over Creek

Fair

Stephens County, Oklahoma · 1.3 MI S JCT SH 53 · Structure no. 133100000000000

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,200
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. 81 over Creek is a concrete culvert carrying U.S. 81 over Creek in Stephens County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 3,200 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,120 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 42.3 mi (68 km).

CarriesU.S. 81
CrossesCreek
Location1.3 MI S JCT SH 53
RouteU.S. Route 81
Coordinates34.35058, -97.96485
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,200 (2022)
Projected traffic5,120 by 2042
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed42.3 mi (68 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$644,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was U.S. 81 over Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is U.S. 81 over 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 U.S. 81 over Creek carry?

About 3,200 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is U.S. 81 over Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m).

Who owns U.S. 81 over Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.