US Bridges

NW 40 Ave over Bluff Creek

FairPosted for load

Harper County, Kansas · 4.5W 2.6N of Anthony · Structure no. 000390735006864

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
200 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
10
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

NW 40 Ave over Bluff Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NW 40 Ave over Bluff Creek in Harper County, Kansas. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 10 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 12 by 2043. The structure is 200 ft (61 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 40 Ave
CrossesBluff Creek
Location4.5W 2.6N of Anthony
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHarper County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.18933, -98.11203
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 inspectionFebruary 2023
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 rating14.6 US tons
Inventory rating8.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans10
Design loadUnknown
Structure length200 ft (61 m)
Longest span20 ft (6 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2021)
Projected traffic12 by 2043
Trucks5%
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$740,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NW 40 Ave over Bluff Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is NW 40 Ave over Bluff 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 NW 40 Ave over Bluff Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is NW 40 Ave over Bluff Creek?

The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns NW 40 Ave over Bluff Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.