US Bridges

SE 20th over Bitter Creek

Fair

Cherokee County, Kansas · 2.0S of Neutral · Structure no. 000000000110430

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

SE 20th over Bitter Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SE 20th over Bitter Creek in Cherokee County, Kansas. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 60 by 2043. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSE 20th
CrossesBitter Creek
Location2.0S of Neutral
RouteCounty Highway 1171
CountyCherokee County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.07765, -94.79515
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 statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating37.4 US tons
Inventory rating22.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2019)
Projected traffic60 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 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 SE 20th over Bitter Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is SE 20th over Bitter 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 SE 20th over Bitter Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SE 20th over Bitter Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m).

Who owns SE 20th over Bitter Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.