US Bridges

Road 19 over Paw Paw Creek

Fair

Elk County, Kansas · 0.4S 1.0E of Howard · Structure no. 000000000250230

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
170 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
145
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Road 19 over Paw Paw Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Road 19 over Paw Paw Creek in Elk County, Kansas. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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.

It carries about 145 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 175 by 2044. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoad 19
CrossesPaw Paw Creek
Location0.4S 1.0E of Howard
RouteCounty Highway 228
CountyElk County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.46171, -96.24343
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 statusOpen, no 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.9 US tons
Inventory rating21.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span66 ft (20 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic145 (2019)
Projected traffic175 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Road 19 over Paw Paw Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Road 19 over Paw Paw 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Road 19 over Paw Paw Creek carry?

About 145 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Road 19 over Paw Paw Creek?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 66 ft (20 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Road 19 over Paw Paw Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.