US Bridges

NW 20 RD over Dry Walnut Creek

Fair

Barton County, Kansas · 2.0W 2.0S of Heizer · Structure no. 000050647905220

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
64 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

NW 20 RD over Dry Walnut Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NW 20 RD over Dry Walnut Creek in Barton County, Kansas. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 40 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 50 by 2043. The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNW 20 RD
CrossesDry Walnut Creek
Location2.0W 2.0S of Heizer
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBarton County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.39075, -98.92319
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating42.9 US tons
Inventory rating25.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length64 ft (19.5 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2018)
Projected traffic50 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 NW 20 RD over Dry Walnut Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is NW 20 RD over Dry Walnut 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does NW 20 RD over Dry Walnut Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is NW 20 RD over Dry Walnut Creek?

The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns NW 20 RD over Dry Walnut Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.