US Bridges

Rs 1485 SE 40 Ave over Wildcat Creek

Poor

Harper County, Kansas · 5.0W 1.0N of Bluff City · Structure no. 000000000390420

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
55
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rs 1485 SE 40 Ave over Wildcat Creek is a concrete slab carrying Rs 1485 SE 40 Ave over Wildcat Creek in Harper County, Kansas. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 55 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 136 by 2043. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRs 1485 SE 40 Ave
CrossesWildcat Creek
Location5.0W 1.0N of Bluff City
RouteCounty Highway 1485
CountyHarper County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.0795, -97.96572
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating24.8 US tons
Inventory rating17.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic55 (2021)
Projected traffic136 by 2043
Trucks3%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$260,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rs 1485 SE 40 Ave over Wildcat Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rs 1485 SE 40 Ave over Wildcat Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2023.

How much traffic does Rs 1485 SE 40 Ave over Wildcat Creek carry?

About 55 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Rs 1485 SE 40 Ave over Wildcat Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Rs 1485 SE 40 Ave over Wildcat Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.