US Bridges

Old Highway 40 over Big Creek Tributary

FairPosted for load

Ellis County, Kansas · 1.7S 4.0E of Hays · Structure no. 000000000260680

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,740
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old Highway 40 over Big Creek Tributary is a concrete culvert carrying Old Highway 40 over Big Creek Tributary in Ellis County, Kansas. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 1,740 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,800 by 2044. The structure is 44 ft (13.3 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld Highway 40
CrossesBig Creek Tributary
Location1.7S 4.0E of Hays
RouteCounty Highway 1910
CountyEllis County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.85211, -99.24717
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 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; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating14.8 US tons
Inventory rating8.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length44 ft (13.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,740 (2020)
Projected traffic1,800 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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$203,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Highway 40 over Big Creek Tributary built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old Highway 40 over Big Creek Tributary 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Old Highway 40 over Big Creek Tributary carry?

About 1,740 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Old Highway 40 over Big Creek Tributary?

The structure is 44 ft (13.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Old Highway 40 over Big Creek Tributary?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.