US Bridges

Rs 97 over Bee Creek

FairPosted for load

Chautauqua County, Kansas · 7.5N of Niotaze · Structure no. 000000000100220

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
46 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
145
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rs 97 over Bee Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Rs 97 over Bee Creek in Chautauqua County, Kansas. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 145 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 175 by 2043. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRs 97
CrossesBee Creek
Location7.5N of Niotaze
RouteCounty Highway 97
CountyChautauqua County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.17998, -96.00281
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.5 US tons
Inventory rating23.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHS 15
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic145 (2019)
Projected traffic175 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rs 97 over Bee Creek built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rs 97 over Bee 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Rs 97 over Bee Creek carry?

About 145 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Rs 97 over Bee Creek?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Rs 97 over Bee Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.