US Bridges

Cherokee Rd. over West Emma Creek

FairPosted for load

McPherson County, Kansas · 2.0N 4.2E of Moundridge · Structure no. 000590809205440

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
58 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee Rd. over West Emma Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Cherokee Rd. over West Emma Creek in McPherson County, Kansas. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 2017, so it is 96 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 10 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 15 by 2040. The structure is 58 ft (17.6 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesCherokee Rd.
CrossesWest Emma Creek
Location2.0N 4.2E of Moundridge
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMcPherson County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.23195, -97.44182
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating13.9 US tons
Inventory rating9.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length58 ft (17.6 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.2 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2020)
Projected traffic15 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$140,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee Rd. over West Emma Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

What condition is Cherokee Rd. over West Emma 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Cherokee Rd. over West Emma Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee Rd. over West Emma Creek?

The structure is 58 ft (17.6 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.2 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee Rd. over West Emma Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.