US Bridges

6978C over Sandy Bear Creek

Fair

Stephens County, Oklahoma · 4.0 MI E Lake Fequa · Structure no. 246230000000000

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

6978C over Sandy Bear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 6978C over Sandy Bear Creek in Stephens County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 160 by 2042. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries6978C
CrossesSandy Bear Creek
Location4.0 MI E Lake Fequa
RouteCounty Highway 6978C
CountyStephens County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates34.60325, -97.59806
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating51 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2022)
Projected traffic160 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$311,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 6978C over Sandy Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is 6978C over Sandy 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does 6978C over Sandy Bear Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is 6978C over Sandy Bear Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns 6978C over Sandy Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.