US Bridges

Road 5 over Elk River

FairPosted for load

Elk County, Kansas · 5.2N 10.0W of Howard · Structure no. 000250915006368

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
68 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Road 5 over Elk River is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Road 5 over Elk River in Elk County, Kansas. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 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 15 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 20 by 2044. The structure is 68 ft (20.8 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoad 5
CrossesElk River
Location5.2N 10.0W of Howard
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyElk County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.55215, -96.45242
Functional classRural Local

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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating20 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length68 ft (20.8 m)
Longest span66 ft (20.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2019)
Projected traffic20 by 2044
Trucks5%
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 5 over Elk River built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is Road 5 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 Road 5 over Elk River carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Road 5 over Elk River?

The structure is 68 ft (20.8 m) long with a longest span of 66 ft (20.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Road 5 over Elk River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.