US Bridges

US159 HWY over Little Stranger Creek

Fair

Atchison County, Kansas · 0.88 MI N Wjct K116 · Structure no. 999915900030181

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
323
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US159 HWY over Little Stranger Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US159 HWY over Little Stranger Creek in Atchison County, Kansas. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 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 323 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 330 by 2044. The structure is 32 ft (9.9 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS159 HWY
CrossesLittle Stranger Creek
Location0.88 MI N Wjct K116
RouteU.S. Route 159
CountyAtchison County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.475, -95.34694
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.9 US tons
Inventory rating34.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.9 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic323 (2023)
Projected traffic330 by 2044
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 US159 HWY over Little Stranger Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is US159 HWY over Little Stranger 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 2023.

How much traffic does US159 HWY over Little Stranger Creek carry?

About 323 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US159 HWY over Little Stranger Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.9 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns US159 HWY over Little Stranger Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.