US Bridges

Ave U over Trib. to Plum Creek

FairPosted for load

Ellsworth County, Kansas · 0.7N 1.3W of Lorraine · Structure no. 000270711404960

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ave U over Trib. to Plum Creek is a concrete slab carrying Ave U over Trib. to Plum Creek in Ellsworth 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 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 50 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 60 by 2044. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAve U
CrossesTrib. to Plum Creek
Location0.7N 1.3W of Lorraine
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEllsworth County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.57984, -98.34163
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 rating13 US tons
Inventory rating13 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2020)
Projected traffic60 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 U over Trib. to Plum Creek built?

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

What condition is Ave U over Trib. to Plum 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 U over Trib. to Plum Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Ave U over Trib. to Plum Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Ave U over Trib. to Plum Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.