US Bridges

Old K-38 Ranch RD over Union Creek

GoodPosted for load

Chautauqua County, Kansas · 1.6W 1.2N of Cloverdale · Structure no. 000000000100510

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
171 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
60
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old K-38 Ranch RD over Union Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Old K-38 Ranch RD over Union Creek in Chautauqua County, Kansas. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 60 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 70 by 2043. The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld K-38 Ranch RD
CrossesUnion Creek
Location1.6W 1.2N of Cloverdale
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyChautauqua County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.2443, -96.5227
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length171 ft (52.1 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.2 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2019)
Projected traffic70 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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 Old K-38 Ranch RD over Union Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old K-38 Ranch RD over Union Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does Old K-38 Ranch RD over Union Creek carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Old K-38 Ranch RD over Union Creek?

The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.2 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Old K-38 Ranch RD over Union Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.