US Bridges

NW 70th over Plum Creek

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Kansas · 1.0N 2.0W West Mineral · Structure no. 000000000110580

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
120
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

NW 70th over Plum Creek is a concrete culvert carrying NW 70th over Plum 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 5 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 120 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 145 by 2043. The structure is 34 ft (10.5 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNW 70th
CrossesPlum Creek
Location1.0N 2.0W West Mineral
RouteCounty Highway 1699
CountyCherokee County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.29803, -94.95889
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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating10 US tons
Inventory rating10 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length34 ft (10.5 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic120 (2019)
Projected traffic145 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 70th over Plum Creek built?

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

What condition is NW 70th over Plum 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 2024.

How much traffic does NW 70th over Plum Creek carry?

About 120 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is NW 70th over Plum Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.5 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns NW 70th over Plum Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.