US Bridges

Fairground Road over Big Creek Tributary

FairPosted for load

Ellis County, Kansas · 1.5S 3.9E of Ellis · Structure no. 000260587904500

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
37 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
45
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Fairground Road over Big Creek Tributary is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Fairground Road over Big Creek Tributary in Ellis County, Kansas. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 45 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 54 by 2044. The structure is 37 ft (11.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFairground Road
CrossesBig Creek Tributary
Location1.5S 3.9E of Ellis
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEllis County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.91417, -99.48611
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating12.3 US tons
Inventory rating8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length37 ft (11.4 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.4 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45 (2020)
Projected traffic54 by 2044
Trucks5%
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$225,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Fairground Road over Big Creek Tributary built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Fairground Road 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 Fairground Road over Big Creek Tributary carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Fairground Road over Big Creek Tributary?

The structure is 37 ft (11.4 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.4 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Fairground Road over Big Creek Tributary?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.