US Bridges

Z-18.3 Local over Coal Creek

Fair

Ottawa County, Kansas · 5.7N of Niles · Structure no. 000720807004303

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
60 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2001 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Z-18.3 Local over Coal Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Z-18.3 Local over Coal Creek in Ottawa County, Kansas. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 5 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, projected to reach 40 by 2045. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesZ-18.3 Local
CrossesCoal Creek
Location5.7N of Niles
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyOttawa County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.05537, -97.46437
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.5 US tons
Inventory rating25.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2001)
Projected traffic40 by 2045
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$250,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Z-18.3 Local over Coal Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is Z-18.3 Local over Coal 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 2025.

How much traffic does Z-18.3 Local over Coal Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2001 count).

How long is Z-18.3 Local over Coal Creek?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Z-18.3 Local over Coal Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.