US Bridges

Road 18 over Salt Creek

Fair

Elk County, Kansas · 9.0N 2.5E of Howard · Structure no. 000000000250470

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
142 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
150
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Road 18 over Salt Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying Road 18 over Salt Creek in Elk County, Kansas. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, younger 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 150 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 180 by 2044. The structure is 142 ft (43.4 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoad 18
CrossesSalt Creek
Location9.0N 2.5E of Howard
RouteCounty Highway 1578
CountyElk County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.60274, -96.21574
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.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.5 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length142 ft (43.4 m)
Longest span56 ft (17 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (2019)
Projected traffic180 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 18 over Salt Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Road 18 over Salt 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 18 over Salt Creek carry?

About 150 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Road 18 over Salt Creek?

The structure is 142 ft (43.4 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Road 18 over Salt Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.