US Bridges

3rd Rd. over Cow Creek

Fair

Rice County, Kansas · 2.5W 4.9S of Bushton · Structure no. 000800701005143

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
99 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
70
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

3rd Rd. over Cow Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 3rd Rd. over Cow Creek in Rice County, Kansas. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 years old, younger 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 6 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 70 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 85 by 2044. The structure is 99 ft (30.2 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries3rd Rd.
CrossesCow Creek
Location2.5W 4.9S of Bushton
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRice County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.44287, -98.44347
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating83.7 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length99 ft (30.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70 (2021)
Projected traffic85 by 2044
Trucks5%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 3rd Rd. over Cow Creek built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is 3rd Rd. over Cow 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does 3rd Rd. over Cow Creek carry?

About 70 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is 3rd Rd. over Cow Creek?

The structure is 99 ft (30.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns 3rd Rd. over Cow Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.