US Bridges

US59 HWY over Big Creek Drainage

Good

Allen County, Kansas · 1.62 Mi. S. US-54 · Structure no. 999905900010181

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1969
Condition
Good
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,293
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US59 HWY over Big Creek Drainage is a concrete culvert carrying US59 HWY over Big Creek Drainage in Allen County, Kansas. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1969, so it is 94 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 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 3,293 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,567 by 2044. The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS59 HWY
CrossesBig Creek Drainage
Location1.62 Mi. S. US-54
RouteU.S. Route 59
CountyAllen County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.89778, -95.17028
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating30.6 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.8 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width59 ft (17.9 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,293 (2023)
Projected traffic3,567 by 2044
Trucks13%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US59 HWY over Big Creek Drainage built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1969.

What condition is US59 HWY over Big Creek Drainage 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does US59 HWY over Big Creek Drainage carry?

About 3,293 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US59 HWY over Big Creek Drainage?

The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns US59 HWY over Big Creek Drainage?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.