US Bridges

U.S. 281 over Driftwood Creek

Fair

Woods County, Oklahoma · 13.5 MI N JCT US-64 · Structure no. 157880000000000

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
162 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
980
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. 281 over Driftwood Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying U.S. 281 over Driftwood Creek in Woods County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 980 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,568 by 2042. The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.9 mi (61 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesU.S. 281
CrossesDriftwood Creek
Location13.5 MI N JCT US-64
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyWoods County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates36.9915, -98.65299
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating38.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length162 ft (49.4 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic980 (2022)
Projected traffic1,568 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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.9 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was U.S. 281 over Driftwood Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is U.S. 281 over Driftwood 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 Driftwood Creek carry?

About 980 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is U.S. 281 over Driftwood Creek?

The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns U.S. 281 over Driftwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.