US Bridges

US56 HWY over Elm Creek Drainage

Fair

Lyon County, Kansas · 0.77 MI E Kta · Structure no. 999905600560341

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
595
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US56 HWY over Elm Creek Drainage is a concrete culvert carrying US56 HWY over Elm Creek Drainage in Lyon County, Kansas. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 595 vehicles a day, roughly 39% of them trucks, projected to reach 607 by 2044. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 42.3 mi (68 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS56 HWY
CrossesElm Creek Drainage
Location0.77 MI E Kta
RouteU.S. Route 56
CountyLyon County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.65278, -96.015
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic595 (2023)
Projected traffic607 by 2044
Trucks39%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed42.3 mi (68 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 US56 HWY over Elm Creek Drainage built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is US56 HWY over Elm Creek Drainage 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US56 HWY over Elm Creek Drainage carry?

About 595 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 39% are trucks.

How long is US56 HWY over Elm Creek Drainage?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns US56 HWY over Elm Creek Drainage?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.