US Bridges

NW 50 RD over Cottonwood Creek

FairPosted for load

Harper County, Kansas · 1.0S 4.5W of Attica · Structure no. 000390711906820

Built
1945
80 years old, rebuilt 2023
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
55 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

NW 50 RD over Cottonwood Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NW 50 RD over Cottonwood Creek in Harper County, Kansas. It was built in 1945 and reconstructed in 2023, so it is 80 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 20 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 20 by 2043. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNW 50 RD
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location1.0S 4.5W of Attica
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHarper County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.2245, -98.31311
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.
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 inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating8.7 US tons
Inventory rating6.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length55 ft (16.8 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.4 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2021)
Projected traffic20 by 2043
Trucks10%
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$570,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NW 50 RD over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2023.

What condition is NW 50 RD over Cottonwood 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does NW 50 RD over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is NW 50 RD over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.4 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns NW 50 RD over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.