US Bridges

Old Highway 40 over Big Creek Tributary

Fair

Ellis County, Kansas · 1.2S 4.2E of Ellis · Structure no. 000000000260740

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,300
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 1928, so it is 97 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.

It carries about 1,300 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,400 by 2044. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld Highway 40
CrossesBig Creek Tributary
Location1.2S 4.2E of Ellis
RouteCounty Highway 1977
CountyEllis County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.91881, -99.47787
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 statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating42.5 US tons
Inventory rating25.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,300 (2020)
Projected traffic1,400 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$135,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Highway 40 over Big Creek Tributary built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 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 1,300 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Old Highway 40 over Big Creek Tributary?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 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.