US Bridges

SW 15 Ave over Bluff Creek

Good

Harper County, Kansas · 1.2N 4.0E of Shook · Structure no. 000390739506947

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
236 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

SW 15 Ave over Bluff Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying SW 15 Ave over Bluff Creek in Harper County, Kansas. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 50 by 2043. The structure is 236 ft (71.9 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSW 15 Ave
CrossesBluff Creek
Location1.2N 4.0E of Shook
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHarper County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.12736, -98.06641
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.2 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length236 ft (71.9 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2021)
Projected traffic50 by 2043
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SW 15 Ave over Bluff Creek built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is SW 15 Ave over Bluff Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in February 2023.

How much traffic does SW 15 Ave over Bluff Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SW 15 Ave over Bluff Creek?

The structure is 236 ft (71.9 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns SW 15 Ave over Bluff Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.