US Bridges

31st over Prairie Creek

FairPosted for load

Jefferson County, Kansas · 2.0N 6.3W of Perry · Structure no. 000441015704240

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

31st over Prairie Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 31st over Prairie Creek in Jefferson County, Kansas. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 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 25 by 2040. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries31st
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location2.0N 6.3W of Perry
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyJefferson County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.10188, -95.50706
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating45.3 US tons
Inventory rating27.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2022)
Projected traffic25 by 2040
Trucks0%
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 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 31st over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is 31st over Prairie 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does 31st over Prairie Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is 31st over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns 31st over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.