US Bridges

Pioneer over Paw Paw Creek

FairPosted for load

Elk County, Kansas · 4.3N 0.9W of Howard · Structure no. 000250933406400

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
131 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pioneer over Paw Paw Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pioneer 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 25 by 2044. The structure is 131 ft (40 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPioneer
CrossesPaw Paw Creek
Location4.3N 0.9W of Howard
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyElk County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.53313, -96.28119
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating18.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length131 ft (40 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 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 traffic20 (2019)
Projected traffic25 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 Pioneer over Paw Paw Creek built?

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

What condition is Pioneer 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 Pioneer over Paw Paw Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Pioneer over Paw Paw Creek?

The structure is 131 ft (40 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Pioneer over Paw Paw Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.