US Bridges

3W Road (rs 899) over North Fork Sappa Creek

FairPosted for load

Decatur County, Kansas · 2.4S 3.2W of Oberlin · Structure no. 000000000200270

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
182 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

3W Road (rs 899) over North Fork Sappa Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying 3W Road (rs 899) over North Fork Sappa Creek in Decatur County, Kansas. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 6 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 110 by 2044. The structure is 182 ft (55.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries3W Road (rs 899)
CrossesNorth Fork Sappa Creek
Location2.4S 3.2W of Oberlin
RouteCounty Highway 899
CountyDecatur County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.78556, -100.59183
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating23 US tons
Inventory rating14 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length182 ft (55.6 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2020)
Projected traffic110 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$15,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 3W Road (rs 899) over North Fork Sappa Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is 3W Road (rs 899) over North Fork Sappa 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does 3W Road (rs 899) over North Fork Sappa Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is 3W Road (rs 899) over North Fork Sappa Creek?

The structure is 182 ft (55.6 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns 3W Road (rs 899) over North Fork Sappa Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.