US Bridges

Oxen over Trib. to Rock Creek

Fair

Elk County, Kansas · 3.0N 3.2W of Howard · Structure no. 000250927906420

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
15
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Oxen over Trib. to Rock Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Oxen over Trib. to Rock Creek in Elk County, Kansas. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 15 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 20 by 2044. The structure is 25 ft (7.5 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOxen
CrossesTrib. to Rock Creek
Location3.0N 3.2W of Howard
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyElk County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.51926, -96.32964
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
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 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
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.5 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$370,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Oxen over Trib. to Rock Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Oxen over Trib. to Rock 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 Oxen over Trib. to Rock Creek carry?

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

How long is Oxen over Trib. to Rock Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Oxen over Trib. to Rock Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.