US Bridges

N Lane over Plum Creek

PoorPosted for load

Decatur County, Kansas · 1.4N 1.0W of Clayton · Structure no. 000200515203340

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

N Lane over Plum Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying N Lane over Plum Creek in Decatur County, Kansas. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 15 vehicles a day, projected to reach 30 by 2043. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN Lane
CrossesPlum Creek
Location1.4N 1.0W of Clayton
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDecatur County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.75518, -100.19382
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
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
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 rating17.5 US tons
Inventory rating8.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.6 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2020)
Projected traffic30 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$300,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was N Lane over Plum Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is N Lane over Plum 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does N Lane over Plum Creek carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is N Lane over Plum Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.6 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns N Lane over Plum Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.