US Bridges

U.S. 281 over Cottonwood Creek

Good

Woods County, Oklahoma · 2.8 MI N JCT SH 45 · Structure no. 257460000000000

Built
2000
25 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
107 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. 281 over Cottonwood Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying U.S. 281 over Cottonwood Creek in Woods County, Oklahoma. It was built in 2000, so it is 25 years old, younger than the Oklahoma average of 47.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,600 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,560 by 2042. The structure is 107 ft (32.6 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 41 mi (66 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesU.S. 281
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location2.8 MI N JCT SH 45
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyWoods County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates36.63008, -98.66615
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.2 US tons
Inventory rating37.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length107 ft (32.6 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.7 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,600 (2022)
Projected traffic2,560 by 2042
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed41 mi (66 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$1.5 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 2000, making it 25 years old in 2025.

What condition is U.S. 281 over Cottonwood Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

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

About 1,600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

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

The structure is 107 ft (32.6 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns U.S. 281 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.