US Bridges

Road 13 over Shorts Creek

FairPosted for load

Meade County, Kansas · 5.0W 10.6S of Meade · Structure no. 000600479006946

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
61 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Road 13 over Shorts Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Road 13 over Shorts Creek in Meade County, Kansas. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1994, 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 5 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 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 10 by 2044. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoad 13
CrossesShorts Creek
Location5.0W 10.6S of Meade
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMeade County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.13144, -100.43486
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating27 US tons
Inventory rating18.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span20 ft (6 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2022)
Projected traffic10 by 2044
Trucks5%
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 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 Road 13 over Shorts Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is Road 13 over Shorts 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Road 13 over Shorts Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Road 13 over Shorts Creek?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Road 13 over Shorts Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.