US Bridges

4th Road over Bluff Creek

FairPosted for load

Comanche County, Kansas · 11.7S of Protection · Structure no. 000000000170120

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
236 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
70
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

4th Road over Bluff Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying 4th Road over Bluff Creek in Comanche County, Kansas. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 70 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 70 by 2044. The structure is 236 ft (71.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.7 mi (72 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries4th Road
CrossesBluff Creek
Location11.7S of Protection
RouteCounty Highway 154
CountyComanche County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.03011, -99.47897
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating39.9 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length236 ft (71.9 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.7 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70 (2021)
Projected traffic70 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.7 mi (72 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 4th Road over Bluff Creek built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is 4th Road over Bluff 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does 4th Road over Bluff Creek carry?

About 70 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is 4th Road over Bluff Creek?

The structure is 236 ft (71.9 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.7 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns 4th Road over Bluff Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.