US Bridges

Old HWY 40 over Wilson Creek

FairPosted for load

Ellsworth County, Kansas · 0.4S 0.6E of Wilson · Structure no. 000000000270590

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
510
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old HWY 40 over Wilson Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Old HWY 40 over Wilson Creek in Ellsworth County, Kansas. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 510 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 612 by 2044. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld HWY 40
CrossesWilson Creek
Location0.4S 0.6E of Wilson
RouteCounty Highway 2020
CountyEllsworth County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.82216, -98.46237
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating12.1 US tons
Inventory rating7.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic510 (2020)
Projected traffic612 by 2044
Trucks10%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old HWY 40 over Wilson Creek built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old HWY 40 over Wilson 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 Old HWY 40 over Wilson Creek carry?

About 510 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Old HWY 40 over Wilson Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Old HWY 40 over Wilson Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.