US Bridges

S California R 18 over Long Creek

FairPosted for load

Osage County, Kansas · 1.0W 1.2S of Melvern · Structure no. 000701001005081

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
133 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
45
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

S California R 18 over Long Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying S California R 18 over Long Creek in Osage County, Kansas. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 45 vehicles a day, projected to reach 54 by 2044. The structure is 133 ft (40.4 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS California R 18
CrossesLong Creek
Location1.0W 1.2S of Melvern
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyOsage County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.48958, -95.65627
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36.7 US tons
Inventory rating21.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length133 ft (40.4 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45 (2019)
Projected traffic54 by 2044
Trucks0%
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 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 S California R 18 over Long Creek built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is S California R 18 over Long 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does S California R 18 over Long Creek carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is S California R 18 over Long Creek?

The structure is 133 ft (40.4 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns S California R 18 over Long Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.