US Bridges

Local Rd. L6H over Walnut Creek

PoorPosted for load

Mitchell County, Kansas · 2.3W 6.0S of Glen Elder · Structure no. 000620711603820

Built
1901
124 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
56 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5
2002 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local Rd. L6H over Walnut Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Local Rd. L6H over Walnut Creek in Mitchell County, Kansas. It was built in 1901, so it is 124 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 5 by 2043. The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal Rd. L6H
CrossesWalnut Creek
Location2.3W 6.0S of Glen Elder
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMitchell County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.40828, -98.34797
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating5.8 US tons
Inventory rating3.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length56 ft (17.1 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.8 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.3 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2002)
Projected traffic5 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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$98,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local Rd. L6H over Walnut Creek built?

It was built in 1901, making it 124 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local Rd. L6H over Walnut Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does Local Rd. L6H over Walnut Creek carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2002 count).

How long is Local Rd. L6H over Walnut Creek?

The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.8 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Local Rd. L6H over Walnut Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.