US Bridges

SW Pickerel RD over Rock Creek

Poor

Butler County, Kansas · 2.0E 2.4S of Smileyberg · Structure no. 000080875006464

Built
1918
107 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

SW Pickerel RD over Rock Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SW Pickerel RD over Rock Creek in Butler County, Kansas. It was built in 1918, so it is 107 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 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSW Pickerel RD
CrossesRock Creek
Location2.0E 2.4S of Smileyberg
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyButler County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.48506, -96.84398
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating51.1 US tons
Inventory rating30.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span33 ft (10 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2023)
Projected traffic50 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 SW Pickerel RD over Rock Creek built?

It was built in 1918, making it 107 years old in 2025.

What condition is SW Pickerel RD over Rock 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 Pickerel RD over Rock Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is SW Pickerel RD over Rock Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns SW Pickerel RD over Rock Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.