US Bridges

Ave Q over Skunk Creek

FairPosted for load

Ellsworth County, Kansas · 0.3E 5.0S of Kanopolis · Structure no. 000270733004868

Built
1922
103 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ave Q over Skunk Creek is a concrete slab carrying Ave Q over Skunk Creek in Ellsworth County, Kansas. It was built in 1922, so it is 103 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 15 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 20 by 2044. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAve Q
CrossesSkunk Creek
Location0.3E 5.0S of Kanopolis
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEllsworth County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.64102, -98.14697
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating28.5 US tons
Inventory rating17 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2020)
Projected traffic20 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 Q over Skunk Creek built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ave Q over Skunk 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 Q over Skunk Creek carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Ave Q over Skunk Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Ave Q over Skunk Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.