US Bridges

U.S. 281 over Creek

Fair

Woods County, Oklahoma · 6.5 MI N JCT US-64 · Structure no. 069270000000000

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,900
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. 281 over Creek is a concrete culvert carrying U.S. 281 over Creek in Woods County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 1,900 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,040 by 2042. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.9 mi (61 km).

Location

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CarriesU.S. 281
CrossesCreek
Location6.5 MI N JCT US-64
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyWoods County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates36.89145, -98.64807
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating21.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width39 ft (12 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,900 (2022)
Projected traffic3,040 by 2042
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed37.9 mi (61 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible 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. 281 over Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is U.S. 281 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does U.S. 281 over Creek carry?

About 1,900 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is U.S. 281 over Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns U.S. 281 over Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.