US Bridges

W. Cherokee Rd. over Prairie Dog Creek

PoorPosted for load

Phillips County, Kansas · 1.5N 2.5E of Long Island · Structure no. 000740591303040

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
67 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

W. Cherokee Rd. over Prairie Dog Creek is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying W. Cherokee Rd. over Prairie Dog Creek in Phillips County, Kansas. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 10 by 2042. The structure is 67 ft (20.3 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesW. Cherokee Rd.
CrossesPrairie Dog Creek
Location1.5N 2.5E of Long Island
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPhillips County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.97298, -99.49039
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating15.1 US tons
Inventory rating9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length67 ft (20.3 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2020)
Projected traffic10 by 2042
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$450,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was W. Cherokee Rd. over Prairie Dog Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is W. Cherokee Rd. over Prairie Dog 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 2023.

How much traffic does W. Cherokee Rd. over Prairie Dog Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is W. Cherokee Rd. over Prairie Dog Creek?

The structure is 67 ft (20.3 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns W. Cherokee Rd. over Prairie Dog Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.