US Bridges

Junebug over Hitchin Creek

FairPosted for load

Elk County, Kansas · 1.5S 5.8E of Howard · Structure no. 000250947506520

Built
1910
115 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
42 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Junebug over Hitchin Creek is a concrete slab carrying Junebug over Hitchin Creek in Elk County, Kansas. It was built in 1910, so it is 115 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 20 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 24 by 2044. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesJunebug
CrossesHitchin Creek
Location1.5S 5.8E of Howard
RouteCounty Highway 2516
CountyElk County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.4458, -96.15404
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating38 US tons
Inventory rating22.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span13 ft (3.9 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2019)
Projected traffic24 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$390,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Junebug over Hitchin Creek built?

It was built in 1910, making it 115 years old in 2025.

What condition is Junebug over 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 Hitchin Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Junebug over Hitchin Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (3.9 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Junebug over Hitchin Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.