US Bridges

Rock RD over Rowe Branch

Fair

Elk County, Kansas · 6.5N 10.5W of Howard · Structure no. 000000000250020

Built
1926
99 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
68 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
70
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rock RD over Rowe Branch is a concrete slab carrying Rock RD over Rowe Branch in Elk County, Kansas. It was built in 1926, so it is 99 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.

It carries about 70 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 85 by 2044. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRock RD
CrossesRowe Branch
Location6.5N 10.5W of Howard
RouteCounty Highway 89
CountyElk County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.56327, -96.44339
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 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 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rock RD over Rowe Branch built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rock RD over Rowe Branch 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 RD over Rowe Branch carry?

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

How long is Rock RD over Rowe Branch?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Rock RD over Rowe Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.