US Bridges

NW 50th over Small Stream

Fair

Butler County, Kansas · 2.1W 3.0S of Potwin · Structure no. 000080849905900

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1977
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
39 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
60
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

NW 50th over Small Stream is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NW 50th over Small Stream in Butler County, Kansas. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1977, so it is 75 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 60 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 60 by 2045. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNW 50th
CrossesSmall Stream
Location2.1W 3.0S of Potwin
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyButler County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.89763, -97.06122
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.5 US tons
Inventory rating32.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.7 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2023)
Projected traffic60 by 2045
Trucks1%
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NW 50th over Small Stream built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1977.

What condition is NW 50th over Small Stream 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does NW 50th over Small Stream carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is NW 50th over Small Stream?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.7 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns NW 50th over Small Stream?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.