US Bridges

W. Ridge (rs 1972) over Plotner Creek

PoorPosted for load

Phillips County, Kansas · 0.5W of Phillipsburg · Structure no. 000000000740510

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
260
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

W. Ridge (rs 1972) over Plotner Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying W. Ridge (rs 1972) over Plotner Creek in Phillips County, Kansas. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 260 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 310 by 2044. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesW. Ridge (rs 1972)
CrossesPlotner Creek
Location0.5W of Phillipsburg
RouteCounty Highway 1972
CountyPhillips County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.75583, -99.33583
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating15.5 US tons
Inventory rating9.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.5 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic260 (2020)
Projected traffic310 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$115,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was W. Ridge (rs 1972) over Plotner Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is W. Ridge (rs 1972) over Plotner 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does W. Ridge (rs 1972) over Plotner Creek carry?

About 260 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is W. Ridge (rs 1972) over Plotner Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.5 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns W. Ridge (rs 1972) over Plotner Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.