US Bridges

SW 50th/RS 1170 over Denny Branch

PoorPosted for load

Cherokee County, Kansas · 1.2S 1.3E of Sherwin · Structure no. 000000000110400

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
32 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
60
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

SW 50th/RS 1170 over Denny Branch is a concrete continuous slab carrying SW 50th/RS 1170 over Denny Branch in Cherokee County, Kansas. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 60 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 70 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSW 50th/RS 1170
CrossesDenny Branch
Location1.2S 1.3E of Sherwin
RouteCounty Highway 1170
CountyCherokee County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.16288, -94.92253
Functional classRural Major 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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating10 US tons
Inventory rating10 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 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
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$360,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SW 50th/RS 1170 over Denny Branch built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is SW 50th/RS 1170 over Denny Branch 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does SW 50th/RS 1170 over Denny Branch carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SW 50th/RS 1170 over Denny Branch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns SW 50th/RS 1170 over Denny Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.