US Bridges

Mule over Game Creek

FairPosted for load

Elk County, Kansas · 1.0N 2.1E of Howard · Structure no. 000250941206460

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
10
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mule over Game Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying Mule over Game 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 10 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 10 by 2044. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMule
CrossesGame Creek
Location1.0N 2.1E of Howard
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyElk County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.48982, -96.21273
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating10 US tons
Inventory rating10 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2019)
Projected traffic10 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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$260,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mule over Game Creek built?

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

What condition is Mule over Game 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 Game Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Mule over Game Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Mule over Game Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.