US Bridges

Block RD 259 over Elm Branch Creek

FairPosted for load

Miami County, Kansas · 4.8S 4.0E of Paola · Structure no. 000000000610040

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
858
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Block RD 259 over Elm Branch Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Block RD 259 over Elm Branch Creek in Miami County, Kansas. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 858 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,695 by 2043. The structure is 43 ft (13 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesBlock RD 259
CrossesElm Branch Creek
Location4.8S 4.0E of Paola
RouteCounty Highway 259
CountyMiami County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.5033, -94.80807
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating26 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length43 ft (13 m)
Longest span20 ft (6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic858 (2011)
Projected traffic1,695 by 2043
Trucks10%
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Block RD 259 over Elm Branch Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is Block RD 259 over Elm Branch 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Block RD 259 over Elm Branch Creek carry?

About 858 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Block RD 259 over Elm Branch Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Block RD 259 over Elm Branch Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.