US Bridges

21st Road over Thompson Creek

FairPosted for load

Ellsworth County, Kansas · 2.4E 5.5S of Kanopolis · Structure no. 000000000270200

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
133 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
60
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

21st Road over Thompson Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying 21st Road over Thompson Creek in Ellsworth County, Kansas. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 60 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 72 by 2044. The structure is 133 ft (40.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries21st Road
CrossesThompson Creek
Location2.4E 5.5S of Kanopolis
RouteCounty Highway 238
CountyEllsworth County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.63139, -98.10794
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating29.8 US tons
Inventory rating17 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length133 ft (40.4 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2020)
Projected traffic72 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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 21st Road over Thompson Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is 21st Road over Thompson 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does 21st Road over Thompson Creek carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is 21st Road over Thompson Creek?

The structure is 133 ft (40.4 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns 21st Road over Thompson Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.