US Bridges

(fau 4522) 70A over Middle Cow Creek

PoorPosted for load

Crawford County, Kansas · 1.0N 0.9W of Frontenac · Structure no. 000191105106540

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
112 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
350
2013 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

(fau 4522) 70A over Middle Cow Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying (fau 4522) 70A over Middle Cow Creek in Crawford County, Kansas. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 350 vehicles a day, projected to reach 420 by 2044. The structure is 112 ft (34.1 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries(fau 4522) 70A
CrossesMiddle Cow Creek
Location1.0N 0.9W of Frontenac
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCrawford County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.42577, -94.7211
Functional classUrban Collector

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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length112 ft (34.1 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic350 (2013)
Projected traffic420 by 2044
Trucks0%
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$560,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was (fau 4522) 70A over Middle Cow Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is (fau 4522) 70A over Middle Cow Creek 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does (fau 4522) 70A over Middle Cow Creek carry?

About 350 vehicles per day (2013 count).

How long is (fau 4522) 70A over Middle Cow Creek?

The structure is 112 ft (34.1 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns (fau 4522) 70A over Middle Cow Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.