US Bridges

42 Road over Big Creek

FairPosted for load

Gove County, Kansas · 3.2S 2.7W of Grainfield · Structure no. 000320477004285

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
143 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
30
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

42 Road over Big Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 42 Road over Big Creek in Gove County, Kansas. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 35 by 2043. The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries42 Road
CrossesBig Creek
Location3.2S 2.7W of Grainfield
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyGove County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.0669, -100.51827
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating10.1 US tons
Inventory rating5.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length143 ft (43.6 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2020)
Projected traffic35 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 42 Road over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is 42 Road over Big 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 2023.

How much traffic does 42 Road over Big Creek carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is 42 Road over Big Creek?

The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns 42 Road over Big Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.