US Bridges

K179 HWY over Bluff Creek

Fair

Harper County, Kansas · 3.32 MI S K44 · Structure no. 999917900390481

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
471 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
836
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

K179 HWY over Bluff Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous tee beam carrying K179 HWY over Bluff Creek in Harper County, Kansas. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 836 vehicles a day, roughly 48% of them trucks, projected to reach 980 by 2044. The structure is 471 ft (143.6 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesK179 HWY
CrossesBluff Creek
Location3.32 MI S K44
RouteState Highway 179
CountyHarper County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.11111, -98.03889
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating62.7 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length471 ft (143.6 m)
Longest span59 ft (17.9 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic836 (2023)
Projected traffic980 by 2044
Trucks48%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 K179 HWY over Bluff Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is K179 HWY 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does K179 HWY over Bluff Creek carry?

About 836 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 48% are trucks.

How long is K179 HWY over Bluff Creek?

The structure is 471 ft (143.6 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (17.9 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns K179 HWY over Bluff Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.