US Bridges

US159 HWY over Grasshopper Creek

Fair

Atchison County, Kansas · 0.77 MI N Wjct K9 · Structure no. 999915900030441

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
368 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
847
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US159 HWY over Grasshopper Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US159 HWY over Grasshopper Creek in Atchison County, Kansas. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 847 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 864 by 2044. The structure is 368 ft (112.2 m) long and 38 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS159 HWY
CrossesGrasshopper Creek
Location0.77 MI N Wjct K9
RouteU.S. Route 159
CountyAtchison County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.59639, -95.52667
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating69 US tons
Inventory rating41.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length368 ft (112.2 m)
Longest span140 ft (42.7 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic847 (2023)
Projected traffic864 by 2044
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 Grasshopper Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is US159 HWY over Grasshopper 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 Grasshopper Creek carry?

About 847 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US159 HWY over Grasshopper Creek?

The structure is 368 ft (112.2 m) long with a longest span of 140 ft (42.7 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns US159 HWY over Grasshopper Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.