US Bridges

Pfeifer Avenue over Big Creek

FairPosted for load

Ellis County, Kansas · 5.4S of Victoria · Structure no. 000000000260160

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
235 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
220
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pfeifer Avenue over Big Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pfeifer Avenue over Big Creek in Ellis County, Kansas. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 220 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 240 by 2044. The structure is 235 ft (71.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPfeifer Avenue
CrossesBig Creek
Location5.4S of Victoria
RouteCounty Highway 231
CountyEllis County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.77073, -99.15253
Functional classRural Major 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionDecember 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating27 US tons
Inventory rating16.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length235 ft (71.6 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic220 (2020)
Projected traffic240 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$412,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pfeifer Avenue over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pfeifer Avenue over Big 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Pfeifer Avenue over Big Creek carry?

About 220 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Pfeifer Avenue over Big Creek?

The structure is 235 ft (71.6 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Pfeifer Avenue over Big Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.