US Bridges

Vale RD over Elk Creek

Fair

Cloud County, Kansas · 2.0N of Clyde · Structure no. 000150813603520

Built
1900
125 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Vale RD over Elk Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Vale RD over Elk 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.

It carries about 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 30 by 2043. The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesVale RD
CrossesElk Creek
Location2.0N of Clyde
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCloud County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.62478, -97.39427
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length28 ft (8.6 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.8 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.9 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 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 closed6.2 mi (10 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 Vale RD over Elk Creek built?

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

What condition is Vale RD over Elk 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 Vale RD over Elk Creek carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Vale RD over Elk Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.8 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns Vale RD over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.