US Bridges

218th RD over Grouse Creek

FairPosted for load

Cowley County, Kansas · 3.0S.W. of Dexter · Structure no. 000000000180590

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
194 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

218th RD over Grouse Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 218th RD over Grouse Creek in Cowley County, Kansas. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 50 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 60 by 2044. The structure is 194 ft (59.1 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries218th RD
CrossesGrouse Creek
Location3.0S.W. of Dexter
RouteCounty Highway 784
CountyCowley County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.16177, -96.75525
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating30.5 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length194 ft (59.1 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2021)
Projected traffic60 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 218th RD over Grouse Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is 218th RD over Grouse 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does 218th RD over Grouse Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is 218th RD over Grouse Creek?

The structure is 194 ft (59.1 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns 218th RD over Grouse Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.