US Bridges

SW 40 RD over Plum Creek

FairPosted for load

Harper County, Kansas · 1.0N 0.4W of Ruella · Structure no. 000390725507000

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
47 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
80
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

SW 40 RD over Plum Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SW 40 RD over Plum Creek in Harper County, Kansas. It was built in 1930, 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 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 80 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 80 by 2043. The structure is 47 ft (14.4 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSW 40 RD
CrossesPlum Creek
Location1.0N 0.4W of Ruella
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHarper County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.094, -98.19189
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating15 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+5 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length47 ft (14.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (2.9 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.6 m)
Roadway width16 ft (5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic80 (2021)
Projected traffic80 by 2043
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$103,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SW 40 RD over Plum Creek built?

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

What condition is SW 40 RD over Plum 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does SW 40 RD over Plum Creek carry?

About 80 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is SW 40 RD over Plum Creek?

The structure is 47 ft (14.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (2.9 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns SW 40 RD over Plum Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.