US Bridges

13 Road over Plum Creek

PoorPosted for load

Cheyenne County, Kansas · 6.0N 1.0W of St. Francis · Structure no. 000120341003182

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
32 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

13 Road over Plum Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 13 Road over Plum Creek in Cheyenne County, Kansas. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 55 by 2045. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries13 Road
CrossesPlum Creek
Location6.0N 1.0W of St. Francis
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCheyenne County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.86946, -101.82351
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating28 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2020)
Projected traffic55 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$20,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 13 Road over Plum Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is 13 Road over Plum Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in January 2025.

How much traffic does 13 Road over Plum Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is 13 Road over Plum Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns 13 Road over Plum Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.