US Bridges

Oxen over Trib. to Snake Creek

FairPosted for load

Elk County, Kansas · 3.3N 2.3E of Howard · Structure no. 000250939606420

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
20 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Oxen over Trib. to Snake Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Oxen over Trib. to Snake Creek in Elk County, Kansas. It was built in 1920, so it is 105 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 5 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 6 by 2044. The structure is 20 ft (6.2 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOxen
CrossesTrib. to Snake Creek
Location3.3N 2.3E of Howard
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyElk County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.51903, -96.22252
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, 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 statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating10 US tons
Inventory rating10 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length20 ft (6.2 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2019)
Projected traffic6 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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
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 Snake Creek built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025.

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

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

How long is Oxen over Trib. to Snake Creek?

The structure is 20 ft (6.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Oxen over Trib. to Snake Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.