US Bridges

SW 50th over Trib. to Four Mile Creek

Fair

Cherokee County, Kansas · 2.0E 2.1S of Melrose · Structure no. 000111083007121

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
25
2004 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

SW 50th over Trib. to Four Mile Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SW 50th over Trib. to Four Mile 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.

It carries about 25 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 30 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSW 50th
CrossesTrib. to Four Mile Creek
Location2.0E 2.1S of Melrose
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCherokee County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.00208, -94.92256
Functional classRural Local

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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width23 ft (6.9 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2004)
Projected traffic30 by 2043
Trucks5%
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 SW 50th over Trib. to Four Mile Creek built?

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

What condition is SW 50th over Trib. to Four Mile 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 SW 50th over Trib. to Four Mile Creek carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SW 50th over Trib. to Four Mile Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns SW 50th over Trib. to Four Mile Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.