US Bridges

Local 70 U.5-640 over Big John Creek

PoorPosted for load

Morris County, Kansas · 1.2S 0.6E Council Grove · Structure no. 000640913604865

Built
1900
125 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Masonry
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local 70 U.5-640 over Big John Creek is a masonry culvert carrying Local 70 U.5-640 over Big John Creek in Morris County, Kansas. It was built in 1900, so it is 125 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 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 45 by 2040. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal 70 U.5-640
CrossesBig John Creek
Location1.2S 0.6E Council Grove
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMorris County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.64479, -96.4553
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
Channel and channel protection3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating24.3 US tons
Inventory rating24.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialMasonry
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2011)
Projected traffic45 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$51,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local 70 U.5-640 over Big John Creek built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local 70 U.5-640 over Big John 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Local 70 U.5-640 over Big John Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is Local 70 U.5-640 over Big John Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Local 70 U.5-640 over Big John Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.