US Bridges

L Lane over Prairie Dog Creek

PoorPosted for load

Decatur County, Kansas · 3.8N 5.8E of Jennings · Structure no. 000200515703364

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
65 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
30
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

L Lane over Prairie Dog Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying L Lane over Prairie Dog Creek in Decatur County, Kansas. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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, projected to reach 30 by 2043. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesL Lane
CrossesPrairie Dog Creek
Location3.8N 5.8E of Jennings
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDecatur County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.73535, -100.18496
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating18 US tons
Inventory rating10 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.6 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (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 L Lane over Prairie Dog Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is L Lane over Prairie Dog 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 L Lane over Prairie Dog Creek carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is L Lane over Prairie Dog Creek?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.6 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns L Lane over Prairie Dog Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.