US Bridges

Union Chapel RD over Little Mule Creek

FairPosted for load

Barber County, Kansas · 5.0W 9.5N of Hardtner · Structure no. 000040665406920

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
80
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Union Chapel RD over Little Mule Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Union Chapel RD over Little Mule Creek in Barber County, Kansas. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 80 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 95 by 2043. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesUnion Chapel RD
CrossesLittle Mule Creek
Location5.0W 9.5N of Hardtner
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBarber County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.15213, -98.74219
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating77.4 US tons
Inventory rating46.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic80 (2018)
Projected traffic95 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Union Chapel RD over Little Mule Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is Union Chapel RD over Little Mule 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Union Chapel RD over Little Mule Creek carry?

About 80 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Union Chapel RD over Little Mule Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Union Chapel RD over Little Mule Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.