US Bridges

18 Road over Mule Creek

FairPosted for load

Comanche County, Kansas · 0.4N 1.5W of Wilmore · Structure no. 000170611006648

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
62 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

18 Road over Mule Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 18 Road over Mule Creek in Comanche County, Kansas. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 15 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 18 by 2044. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 198.8 mi (320 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries18 Road
CrossesMule Creek
Location0.4N 1.5W of Wilmore
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyComanche County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.34183, -99.23706
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating32.4 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2021)
Projected traffic18 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed198.8 mi (320 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 18 Road over Mule Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is 18 Road over Mule 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 18 Road over Mule Creek carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is 18 Road over Mule Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns 18 Road over Mule Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.