US Bridges

Otter Creek RD over Lyon Creek

FairPosted for load

Geary County, Kansas · 4.0S of Junction City · Structure no. 000310873604441

Built
1913
112 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
150 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Otter Creek RD over Lyon Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Otter Creek RD over Lyon Creek in Geary County, Kansas. It was built in 1913, so it is 112 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 50 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 55 by 2041. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOtter Creek RD
CrossesLyon Creek
Location4.0S of Junction City
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyGeary County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.95483, -96.84614
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionDecember 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 alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating25 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadRailroad
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span125 ft (38 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck20 ft (6.1 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2016)
Projected traffic55 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$229,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Otter Creek RD over Lyon Creek built?

It was built in 1913, making it 112 years old in 2025.

What condition is Otter Creek RD over Lyon 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Otter Creek RD over Lyon Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Otter Creek RD over Lyon Creek?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 125 ft (38 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Otter Creek RD over Lyon Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.