US Bridges

Rock RD over Elm Creek

FairPosted for load

Cloud County, Kansas · 0.3S 1.3W of Ames · Structure no. 000150805703600

Built
1900
125 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
65 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rock RD over Elm Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Rock RD over Elm Creek in Cloud County, Kansas. It was built in 1900, so it is 125 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 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 40 by 2043. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRock RD
CrossesElm Creek
Location0.3S 1.3W of Ames
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCloud County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.56653, -97.46767
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating7.6 US tons
Inventory rating4.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans5
Design loadH 10
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.2 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2022)
Projected traffic40 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$410,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rock RD over Elm Creek built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rock 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Rock RD over Elm Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Rock RD over Elm Creek?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Rock RD over Elm Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.