US Bridges

US50 HWY over Ludy Creek

Fair

Lyon County, Kansas · 3.24 MI E Chase CO Line · Structure no. 999905000560231

Built
1947
78 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,643
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US50 HWY over Ludy Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US50 HWY over Ludy Creek in Lyon County, Kansas. It was built in 1947 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 78 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.

It carries about 5,643 vehicles a day, roughly 33% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,886 by 2044. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 125 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS50 HWY
CrossesLudy Creek
Location3.24 MI E Chase CO Line
RouteU.S. Route 50
CountyLyon County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.40861, -96.295
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating91.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width125 ft (38.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,643 (2023)
Projected traffic6,886 by 2044
Trucks33%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US50 HWY over Ludy Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is US50 HWY over Ludy 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US50 HWY over Ludy Creek carry?

About 5,643 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 33% are trucks.

How long is US50 HWY over Ludy Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 125 ft wide.

Who owns US50 HWY over Ludy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.