US Bridges

SW 50 Ave over Stream

PoorPosted for load

Harper County, Kansas · 2.0S 5.0W of Spring · Structure no. 000390733007087

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
10
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

SW 50 Ave over Stream is a concrete culvert carrying SW 50 Ave over Stream in Harper County, Kansas. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 10 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 10 by 2043. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSW 50 Ave
CrossesStream
Location2.0S 5.0W of Spring
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHarper County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.0255, -98.12822
Functional classRural Local

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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating16 US tons
Inventory rating16 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2021)
Projected traffic10 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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$300,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SW 50 Ave over Stream built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is SW 50 Ave over Stream 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 SW 50 Ave over Stream carry?

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

How long is SW 50 Ave over Stream?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SW 50 Ave over Stream?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.