US Bridges

Rd. W15 over Long Branch Creek

Fair

Norton County, Kansas · 11.5N of Clayton · Structure no. 000690517003128

Built
1972
53 years old, rebuilt 2022
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
101 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rd. W15 over Long Branch Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Rd. W15 over Long Branch Creek in Norton County, Kansas. It was built in 1972 and reconstructed in 2022, so it is 53 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.

It carries about 40 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 50 by 2044. The structure is 101 ft (30.7 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRd. W15
CrossesLong Branch Creek
Location11.5N of Clayton
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyNorton County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.90167, -100.17911
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating38.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length101 ft (30.7 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2020)
Projected traffic50 by 2044
Trucks5%
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rd. W15 over Long Branch Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2022.

What condition is Rd. W15 over Long Branch 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 Rd. W15 over Long Branch Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Rd. W15 over Long Branch Creek?

The structure is 101 ft (30.7 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Rd. W15 over Long Branch Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.