US Bridges

W Star RD over Tar Creek

Fair

Cherokee County, Kansas · 5.5W of Baxter Springs · Structure no. 000111089707100

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2007 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

W Star RD over Tar Creek is a concrete culvert carrying W Star RD over Tar Creek in Cherokee County, Kansas. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger 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 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesW Star RD
CrossesTar Creek
Location5.5W of Baxter Springs
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCherokee County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.01673, -94.85752
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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2007)
Projected traffic50 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 W Star RD over Tar Creek built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is W Star RD over 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 RD over Tar Creek carry?

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

How long is W Star RD over Tar Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m).

Who owns W Star RD over Tar Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.