US Bridges

42nd RD over Walnut River

PoorPosted for load

Cowley County, Kansas · 1.5S 0.5W of Rock · Structure no. 000180855506560

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
160 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
30
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

42nd RD over Walnut River is a concrete arch - deck carrying 42nd RD over Walnut River in Cowley County, Kansas. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 30 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 40 by 2044. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries42nd RD
CrossesWalnut River
Location1.5S 0.5W of Rock
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCowley County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.41926, -97.01359
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating25.8 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span77 ft (23.5 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.6 m)
Roadway width16 ft (5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2018)
Projected traffic40 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 42nd RD over Walnut River built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is 42nd RD over Walnut River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in January 2024.

How much traffic does 42nd RD over Walnut River carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is 42nd RD over Walnut River?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 77 ft (23.5 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns 42nd RD over Walnut River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.