US Bridges

Road 18 over Clear Creek

FairPosted for load

Elk County, Kansas · 2.2S 0.7W of Elk Falls · Structure no. 000250941306662

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Road 18 over Clear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Road 18 over Clear 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 6 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 37 ft (11.4 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoad 18
CrossesClear Creek
Location2.2S 0.7W of Elk Falls
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyElk County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.343, -96.21329
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating21.9 US tons
Inventory rating12.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length37 ft (11.4 m)
Longest span36 ft (11.1 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 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 closed3.7 mi (6 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 Road 18 over Clear Creek built?

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

What condition is Road 18 over Clear 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 Road 18 over Clear Creek carry?

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

How long is Road 18 over Clear Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.4 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11.1 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Road 18 over Clear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.