US Bridges

Catharine Road over N. Fork Big Creek

PoorPosted for load

Ellis County, Kansas · 0.3W of Catharine · Structure no. 000000000260290

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1964
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
117 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
375
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Catharine Road over N. Fork Big Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Catharine Road over N. Fork Big Creek in Ellis County, Kansas. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1964, so it is 87 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 375 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 400 by 2044. The structure is 117 ft (35.7 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCatharine Road
CrossesN. Fork Big Creek
Location0.3W of Catharine
RouteCounty Highway 234
CountyEllis County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.92922, -99.22339
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating22 US tons
Inventory rating16 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+3 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length117 ft (35.7 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.8 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic375 (2020)
Projected traffic400 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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$540,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Catharine Road over N. Fork Big Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1964.

What condition is Catharine Road over N. Fork Big Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2024.

How much traffic does Catharine Road over N. Fork Big Creek carry?

About 375 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Catharine Road over N. Fork Big Creek?

The structure is 117 ft (35.7 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.8 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Catharine Road over N. Fork Big Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.