US Bridges

Ave E over Cow Creek

FairPosted for load

Ellsworth County, Kansas · 0.9S 5.5E of Wilson · Structure no. 000270709104640

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ave E over Cow Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ave E over Cow Creek in Ellsworth County, Kansas. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 25 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 30 by 2044. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAve E
CrossesCow Creek
Location0.9S 5.5E of Wilson
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEllsworth County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.81257, -98.37302
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating31.7 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.7 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2020)
Projected traffic30 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 Ave E over Cow Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ave E over Cow 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 Ave E over Cow Creek carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Ave E over Cow Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.7 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Ave E over Cow Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.