US Bridges

NW 50th over Trib. to Lightning Creek

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Kansas · 3.8N of West Mineral · Structure no. 000000000110330

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
265
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

NW 50th over Trib. to Lightning Creek is a concrete culvert carrying NW 50th over Trib. to Lightning Creek in Cherokee County, Kansas. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 265 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 320 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNW 50th
CrossesTrib. to Lightning Creek
Location3.8N of West Mineral
RouteCounty Highway 1168
CountyCherokee County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.33728, -94.92284
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating12.8 US tons
Inventory rating7.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.8 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic265 (2019)
Projected traffic320 by 2043
Trucks10%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NW 50th over Trib. to Lightning Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is NW 50th over Trib. to Lightning 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does NW 50th over Trib. to Lightning Creek carry?

About 265 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is NW 50th over Trib. to Lightning Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.8 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns NW 50th over Trib. to Lightning Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.