US Bridges

54th over Wild Horse Creek

FairPosted for load

Jefferson County, Kansas · 5.0S 2.2W of Oskaloosa · Structure no. 000441031804180

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
50 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

54th over Wild Horse Creek is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying 54th over Wild Horse Creek in Jefferson County, Kansas. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 70 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 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2040. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries54th
CrossesWild Horse Creek
Location5.0S 2.2W of Oskaloosa
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyJefferson County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.14346, -95.35187
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating36.7 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2022)
Projected traffic50 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$330,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 54th over Wild Horse Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is 54th over Wild Horse 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 54th over Wild Horse Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is 54th over Wild Horse Creek?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns 54th over Wild Horse Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.