US Bridges

Cottonwood Avenue over Big Creek

FairPosted for load

Ellis County, Kansas · 0.3S 0.6W of Ellis · Structure no. 000260579404467

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
160 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
35
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cottonwood Avenue over Big Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cottonwood Avenue over Big Creek in Ellis County, Kansas. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 35 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 41 by 2044. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCottonwood Avenue
CrossesBig Creek
Location0.3S 0.6W of Ellis
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEllis County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.93194, -99.57028
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating8 US tons
Inventory rating4.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.2 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35 (2020)
Projected traffic41 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$810,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cottonwood Avenue over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cottonwood 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Cottonwood Avenue over Big Creek carry?

About 35 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Cottonwood Avenue over Big Creek?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.2 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Cottonwood Avenue over Big Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.