US Bridges

Main St. over Big Creek

Fair

Ellis County, Kansas · Main St. in Hays · Structure no. 412100261707023

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
226 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,180
2020 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Main St. over Big Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Main St. over Big Creek in Ellis County, Kansas. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 6 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 2,180 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,120 by 2044. The structure is 226 ft (68.9 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMain St.
CrossesBig Creek
LocationMain St. in Hays
RouteCity Street 1707
CountyEllis County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.86406, -99.33597
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.4 US tons
Inventory rating31.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length226 ft (68.9 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.8 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,180 (2020)
Projected traffic3,120 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$875,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Main St. over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is Main St. 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Main St. over Big Creek carry?

About 2,180 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Main St. over Big Creek?

The structure is 226 ft (68.9 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.8 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Main St. over Big Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.