US Bridges

SE 50 Ave over Bluff Creek

FairPosted for load

Harper County, Kansas · 2.0N 4.0W of Bluff City · Structure no. 000390753006987

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
159 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
20
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

SE 50 Ave over Bluff Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SE 50 Ave over Bluff Creek in Harper County, Kansas. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 years old, younger 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 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2043. The structure is 159 ft (48.5 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesSE 50 Ave
CrossesBluff Creek
Location2.0N 4.0W of Bluff City
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHarper County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.09894, -97.94781
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
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 rating19.8 US tons
Inventory rating11.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length159 ft (48.5 m)
Longest span77 ft (23.5 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 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
Trucks0%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SE 50 Ave over Bluff Creek built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is SE 50 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 SE 50 Ave over Bluff Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is SE 50 Ave over Bluff Creek?

The structure is 159 ft (48.5 m) long with a longest span of 77 ft (23.5 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SE 50 Ave over Bluff Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.