US Bridges

Mule over Snake Creek

FairPosted for load

Elk County, Kansas · 1.0N 0.3E of Howard · Structure no. 000250937306460

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
43 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mule over Snake Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mule over Snake Creek in Elk County, Kansas. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 15 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 20 by 2044. The structure is 43 ft (13 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMule
CrossesSnake Creek
Location1.0N 0.3E of Howard
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyElk County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.48996, -96.24773
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating12.6 US tons
Inventory rating7.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length43 ft (13 m)
Longest span39 ft (12 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 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$390,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mule over Snake Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mule over Snake 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 Mule over Snake Creek carry?

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

How long is Mule over Snake Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (12 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Mule over Snake Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.