US Bridges

F Lane over N Fork Prairie Dog Creek

FairPosted for load

Decatur County, Kansas · 1.1N 5.3W of Dresden · Structure no. 000200481003500

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

F Lane over N Fork Prairie Dog Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying F Lane over N Fork Prairie Dog Creek in Decatur 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 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 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 40 by 2043. The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesF Lane
CrossesN Fork Prairie Dog Creek
Location1.1N 5.3W of Dresden
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDecatur County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.63976, -100.51746
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.3 US tons
Inventory rating24.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.3 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2020)
Projected traffic40 by 2043
Trucks0%
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$240,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was F Lane over N Fork Prairie Dog Creek built?

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

What condition is F Lane over N Fork Prairie Dog 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 2023.

How much traffic does F Lane over N Fork Prairie Dog Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is F Lane over N Fork Prairie Dog Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns F Lane over N Fork Prairie Dog Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.