US Bridges

27 Road over Middle Fork Sappa Creek

FairPosted for load

Rawlins County, Kansas · 4.6S 6.0W of Achilles · Structure no. 000770437003486

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

27 Road over Middle Fork Sappa Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 27 Road over Middle Fork Sappa Creek in Rawlins County, Kansas. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15 by 2044. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries27 Road
CrossesMiddle Fork Sappa Creek
Location4.6S 6.0W of Achilles
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRawlins County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.64556, -100.92667
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating11.2 US tons
Inventory rating6.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2020)
Projected traffic15 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 27 Road over Middle Fork Sappa Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is 27 Road over Middle 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 27 Road over Middle Fork Sappa Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is 27 Road over Middle Fork Sappa Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns 27 Road over Middle Fork Sappa Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.