US Bridges

Rock over Elk River

FairPosted for load

Elk County, Kansas · 6.5N 11.5W of Howard · Structure no. 000000000250010

Built
1923
102 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
46 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
70
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rock over Elk River is a concrete slab carrying Rock over Elk River in Elk County, Kansas. It was built in 1923, so it is 102 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 70 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 85 by 2044. The structure is 46 ft (13.9 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRock
CrossesElk River
Location6.5N 11.5W of Howard
RouteCounty Highway 89
CountyElk County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.56349, -96.46156
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating50.5 US tons
Inventory rating30.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length46 ft (13.9 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70 (2019)
Projected traffic85 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$390,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rock over Elk River built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rock over Elk River 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Rock over Elk River carry?

About 70 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Rock over Elk River?

The structure is 46 ft (13.9 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Rock over Elk River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.