US Bridges

34 Road (rs 553) over South Fork Sappa Creek

FairPosted for load

Rawlins County, Kansas · 6.2S 1.2E of Achilles · Structure no. 000000000770200

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
233 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
55
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

34 Road (rs 553) over South Fork Sappa Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying 34 Road (rs 553) over South Fork Sappa Creek in Rawlins County, Kansas. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 55 vehicles a day, projected to reach 65 by 2044. The structure is 233 ft (70.9 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries34 Road (rs 553)
CrossesSouth Fork Sappa Creek
Location6.2S 1.2E of Achilles
RouteCounty Highway 553
CountyRawlins County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.62343, -100.79659
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating31 US tons
Inventory rating18.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length233 ft (70.9 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic55 (2020)
Projected traffic65 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 34 Road (rs 553) over South Fork Sappa Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is 34 Road (rs 553) over South Fork Sappa 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does 34 Road (rs 553) over South Fork Sappa Creek carry?

About 55 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is 34 Road (rs 553) over South Fork Sappa Creek?

The structure is 233 ft (70.9 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns 34 Road (rs 553) over South Fork Sappa Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.