US Bridges

Junebug over West Hitchin Creek

FairPosted for load

Elk County, Kansas · 1.1S 4.1E of Howard · Structure no. 000250945106520

Built
1920
105 years old, rebuilt 2020
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
33 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Junebug over West Hitchin Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying Junebug over West Hitchin Creek in Elk County, Kansas. It was built in 1920 and reconstructed in 2020, 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 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesJunebug
CrossesWest Hitchin Creek
Location1.1S 4.1E of Howard
RouteCounty Highway 2516
CountyElk County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.44624, -96.18003
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.8 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.3 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.3 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 closed3.7 mi (6 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 Junebug over West Hitchin Creek built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2020.

What condition is Junebug over West Hitchin 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 Junebug over West Hitchin Creek carry?

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

How long is Junebug over West Hitchin Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.8 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Junebug over West Hitchin Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.