US Bridges

Road 22 over Little Hitchen Creek

FairPosted for load

Elk County, Kansas · 4.0N 3.5W of Longton · Structure no. 000250949006527

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
45 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Road 22 over Little Hitchen Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Road 22 over Little Hitchen Creek in Elk County, Kansas. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 1 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2 by 2044. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoad 22
CrossesLittle Hitchen Creek
Location4.0N 3.5W of Longton
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyElk County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.43525, -96.14371
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating16.9 US tons
Inventory rating10 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width16 ft (5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1 (2019)
Projected traffic2 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Road 22 over Little Hitchen Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is Road 22 over Little Hitchen 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 22 over Little Hitchen Creek carry?

About 1 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Road 22 over Little Hitchen Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Road 22 over Little Hitchen Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.