US Bridges

SW Hopkins Switch over Muddy Creek

Poor

Butler County, Kansas · 3.0W 1.6N of Smileyberg · Structure no. 000080865006384

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
37 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

SW Hopkins Switch over Muddy Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying SW Hopkins Switch over Muddy Creek in Butler County, Kansas. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2045. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSW Hopkins Switch
CrossesMuddy Creek
Location3.0W 1.6N of Smileyberg
RouteCounty Highway 811
CountyButler County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.54298, -96.93574
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.7 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2023)
Projected traffic50 by 2045
Trucks0%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$51,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SW Hopkins Switch over Muddy Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is SW Hopkins Switch over Muddy Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2025.

How much traffic does SW Hopkins Switch over Muddy Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is SW Hopkins Switch over Muddy Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns SW Hopkins Switch over Muddy Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.