US Bridges

W Star over Branch of Tar Creek

Fair

Cherokee County, Kansas · 1.2N 1.0W of Treece · Structure no. 000111089107100

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2007 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

W Star over Branch of Tar Creek is a concrete culvert carrying W Star over Branch of Tar Creek in Cherokee County, Kansas. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 40 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 50 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesW Star
CrossesBranch of Tar Creek
Location1.2N 1.0W of Treece
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCherokee County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.01676, -94.86375
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 evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating25.5 US tons
Inventory rating15.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2007)
Projected traffic50 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 W Star over Branch of Tar Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is W Star over Branch of Tar 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 W Star over Branch of Tar Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is W Star over Branch of Tar Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns W Star over Branch of Tar Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.