US Bridges

Rs 502 (kqnk Rd.) over Prairie Dog Creek

FairPosted for load

Norton County, Kansas · 0.5E of Norton · Structure no. 000000000690110

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
181 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
140
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rs 502 (kqnk Rd.) over Prairie Dog Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Rs 502 (kqnk Rd.) over Prairie Dog Creek in Norton County, Kansas. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 140 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 160 by 2044. The structure is 181 ft (55.3 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesRs 502 (kqnk Rd.)
CrossesPrairie Dog Creek
Location0.5E of Norton
RouteCounty Highway 502
CountyNorton County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.82776, -99.88189
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating30.8 US tons
Inventory rating18.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length181 ft (55.3 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic140 (2020)
Projected traffic160 by 2044
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$595,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rs 502 (kqnk Rd.) over Prairie Dog Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rs 502 (kqnk Rd.) over Prairie Dog 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Rs 502 (kqnk Rd.) over Prairie Dog Creek carry?

About 140 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Rs 502 (kqnk Rd.) over Prairie Dog Creek?

The structure is 181 ft (55.3 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Rs 502 (kqnk Rd.) over Prairie Dog Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.