US Bridges

SE 20 RD over Silver Creek

PoorPosted for load

Harper County, Kansas · 3.3N 3.1W of Bluff City · Structure no. 000390753906960

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
44 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
10
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

SE 20 RD over Silver Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying SE 20 RD over Silver 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 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, projected to reach 10 by 2043. The structure is 44 ft (13.3 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSE 20 RD
CrossesSilver Creek
Location3.3N 3.1W of Bluff City
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHarper County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.12408, -97.93089
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 rating16 US tons
Inventory rating16 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length44 ft (13.3 m)
Longest span20 ft (6 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2021)
Projected traffic10 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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$390,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SE 20 RD over Silver Creek built?

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

What condition is SE 20 RD over Silver Creek 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 SE 20 RD over Silver Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is SE 20 RD over Silver Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.3 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns SE 20 RD over Silver Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.