US Bridges

359th ST 259 over Elm Creek

Fair

Miami County, Kansas · 12.1E 6.6S of Paola · Structure no. 000000000610070

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
55 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,830
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

359th ST 259 over Elm Creek is a concrete slab carrying 359th ST 259 over Elm Creek in Miami 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 1,830 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,315 by 2043. The structure is 55 ft (16.9 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries359th ST 259
CrossesElm Creek
Location12.1E 6.6S of Paola
RouteCounty Highway 259
CountyMiami County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.47585, -94.65276
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length55 ft (16.9 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.4 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,830 (2011)
Projected traffic2,315 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$300,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 359th ST 259 over Elm Creek built?

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

What condition is 359th ST 259 over Elm 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 2023.

How much traffic does 359th ST 259 over Elm Creek carry?

About 1,830 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is 359th ST 259 over Elm Creek?

The structure is 55 ft (16.9 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.4 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns 359th ST 259 over Elm Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.