US Bridges

SE 20th RD over Baehr Creek

FairPosted for load

Harper County, Kansas · 5.0S 2.0W of Freeport · Structure no. 000390759106960

Built
1945
80 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
56 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

SE 20th RD over Baehr Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SE 20th RD over Baehr Creek in Harper County, Kansas. It was built in 1945, so it is 80 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 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 10 by 2043. The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesSE 20th RD
CrossesBaehr Creek
Location5.0S 2.0W of Freeport
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHarper County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.12422, -97.89272
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 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 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating18.6 US tons
Inventory rating14 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length56 ft (17.1 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.4 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$560,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SE 20th RD over Baehr Creek built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025.

What condition is SE 20th RD over Baehr 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 20th RD over Baehr Creek carry?

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

How long is SE 20th RD over Baehr Creek?

The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.4 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns SE 20th RD over Baehr Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.