US Bridges

251st RD over Grouse Creek

FairPosted for load

Cowley County, Kansas · 5.5N of Dexter · Structure no. 000000000180760

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
352 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
290
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

251st RD over Grouse Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 251st RD over Grouse Creek in Cowley County, Kansas. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 290 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 350 by 2044. The structure is 352 ft (107.3 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries251st RD
CrossesGrouse Creek
Location5.5N of Dexter
RouteCounty Highway 1129
CountyCowley County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.26152, -96.69812
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 other load-capacity 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.6 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length352 ft (107.3 m)
Longest span108 ft (32.8 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 traffic290 (2021)
Projected traffic350 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 251st RD over Grouse Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is 251st 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 251st RD over Grouse Creek carry?

About 290 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is 251st RD over Grouse Creek?

The structure is 352 ft (107.3 m) long with a longest span of 108 ft (32.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns 251st RD over Grouse Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.