US Bridges

US 56 HWY over Big John Creek

Fair

Morris County, Kansas · 1.93 MI E Ejct K177 · Structure no. 999905600640301

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
113 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,713
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 56 HWY over Big John Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying US 56 HWY over Big John Creek in Morris County, Kansas. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 1,713 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,783 by 2044. The structure is 113 ft (34.3 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

CarriesUS 56 HWY
CrossesBig John Creek
Location1.93 MI E Ejct K177
RouteU.S. Route 56
StateKansas
Coordinates38.66639, -96.45306
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating65.5 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length113 ft (34.3 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,713 (2023)
Projected traffic1,783 by 2044
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 US 56 HWY over Big John Creek built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 56 HWY over Big John 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does US 56 HWY over Big John Creek carry?

About 1,713 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 56 HWY over Big John Creek?

The structure is 113 ft (34.3 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 56 HWY over Big John Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.