US Bridges

S. 270th Ave. over Medicine Creek

PoorPosted for load

Osborne County, Kansas · 6.2S 16.0W of Osborne · Structure no. 000710643003902

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

S. 270th Ave. over Medicine Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S. 270th Ave. over Medicine Creek in Osborne County, Kansas. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 15 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15 by 2043. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesS. 270th Ave.
CrossesMedicine Creek
Location6.2S 16.0W of Osborne
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyOsborne County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.34787, -98.9912
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating20.4 US tons
Inventory rating15.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2020)
Projected traffic15 by 2043
Trucks0%
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$180,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S. 270th Ave. over Medicine Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is S. 270th Ave. over Medicine Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does S. 270th Ave. over Medicine Creek carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is S. 270th Ave. over Medicine Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns S. 270th Ave. over Medicine Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.