US Bridges

Ave M over Clear Creek

Good

Ellsworth County, Kansas · 1.0S 4.0E of Kanopolis · Structure no. 000270739604800

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 2024
Condition
Good
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 M over Clear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ave M over Clear Creek in Ellsworth County, Kansas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 2024, so it is 95 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 25 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 30 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 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 M
CrossesClear Creek
Location1.0S 4.0E of Kanopolis
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEllsworth County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.69638, -98.08116
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating79.3 US tons
Inventory rating61.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2020)
Projected traffic30 by 2042
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$260,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ave M over Clear Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2024.

What condition is Ave M over Clear Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does Ave M over Clear Creek carry?

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

How long is Ave M over Clear Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Ave M over Clear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.