US Bridges

Rs 844 (rd. E9) over N. Fork Prairie Dog Ck.

FairPosted for load

Norton County, Kansas · 0.8W of Almena · Structure no. 000000000690300

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
138 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
160
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rs 844 (rd. E9) over N. Fork Prairie Dog Ck. is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Rs 844 (rd. E9) over N. Fork Prairie Dog Ck. in Norton County, Kansas. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 160 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 180 by 2044. The structure is 138 ft (42.2 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRs 844 (rd. E9)
CrossesN. Fork Prairie Dog Ck.
Location0.8W of Almena
RouteCounty Highway 844
CountyNorton County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.88803, -99.72094
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36.2 US tons
Inventory rating21.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length138 ft (42.2 m)
Longest span56 ft (17 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 traffic160 (2020)
Projected traffic180 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$482,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rs 844 (rd. E9) over N. Fork Prairie Dog Ck. built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rs 844 (rd. E9) over N. Fork Prairie Dog Ck. 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 844 (rd. E9) over N. Fork Prairie Dog Ck. carry?

About 160 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Rs 844 (rd. E9) over N. Fork Prairie Dog Ck.?

The structure is 138 ft (42.2 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Rs 844 (rd. E9) over N. Fork Prairie Dog Ck.?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.