US Bridges

Plum Thicket over E. Br. Little Sandy Ck.

FairPosted for load

Barber County, Kansas · 1.1E 3.3N of Sharon · Structure no. 000040703406720

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
96 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
25
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Plum Thicket over E. Br. Little Sandy Ck. is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Plum Thicket over E. Br. Little Sandy Ck. in Barber County, Kansas. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 5 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 25 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 30 by 2043. The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPlum Thicket
CrossesE. Br. Little Sandy Ck.
Location1.1E 3.3N of Sharon
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBarber County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.29711, -98.39547
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating20.8 US tons
Inventory rating15.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length96 ft (29.3 m)
Longest span20 ft (6 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2018)
Projected traffic30 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Plum Thicket over E. Br. Little Sandy Ck. built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is Plum Thicket over E. Br. Little Sandy Ck. 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Plum Thicket over E. Br. Little Sandy Ck. carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Plum Thicket over E. Br. Little Sandy Ck.?

The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Plum Thicket over E. Br. Little Sandy Ck.?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.