US Bridges

215th RD over Elm Creek

FairPosted for load

Cloud County, Kansas · 3.7N of Aurora · Structure no. 000150799503683

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

215th RD over Elm Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 215th RD over Elm Creek in Cloud County, Kansas. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 30 by 2043. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries215th RD
CrossesElm Creek
Location3.7N of Aurora
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCloud County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.50657, -97.5272
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating18.5 US tons
Inventory rating11 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2019)
Projected traffic30 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$260,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 215th RD over Elm Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is 215th RD over Elm 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does 215th RD over Elm Creek carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is 215th RD over Elm Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns 215th RD over Elm Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.