US Bridges

Coal Creek Rd. over Walnut Creek

FairPosted for load

Jefferson County, Kansas · 0.5N of Valley Falls · Structure no. 000000000440002

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
140
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Coal Creek Rd. over Walnut Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Coal Creek Rd. over Walnut Creek in Jefferson County, Kansas. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 140 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 500 by 2040. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCoal Creek Rd.
CrossesWalnut Creek
Location0.5N of Valley Falls
RouteCounty Highway 18
CountyJefferson County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.35516, -95.45852
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.
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 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating27.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span56 ft (17.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic140 (2019)
Projected traffic500 by 2040
Trucks5%
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Coal Creek Rd. over Walnut Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is Coal Creek Rd. over Walnut 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 2025.

How much traffic does Coal Creek Rd. over Walnut Creek carry?

About 140 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Coal Creek Rd. over Walnut Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Coal Creek Rd. over Walnut Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.