US Bridges

260th Avenue over Big Creek Tributary

Poor

Ellis County, Kansas · 4.0S 1.5E of Hays · Structure no. 000260609004624

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Masonry
Length
48 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
35
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

260th Avenue over Big Creek Tributary is a masonry culvert carrying 260th Avenue over Big Creek Tributary in Ellis County, Kansas. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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.

It carries about 35 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 41 by 2044. The structure is 48 ft (14.5 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries260th Avenue
CrossesBig Creek Tributary
Location4.0S 1.5E of Hays
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEllis County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.82148, -99.29985
Functional classRural Local

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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.9 US tons
Inventory rating39.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length48 ft (14.5 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 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 closed1.9 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 260th Avenue over Big Creek Tributary built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is 260th Avenue over Big Creek Tributary 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does 260th Avenue over Big Creek Tributary carry?

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

How long is 260th Avenue over Big Creek Tributary?

The structure is 48 ft (14.5 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns 260th Avenue over Big Creek Tributary?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.