US Bridges

7th Rd. over Plum Creek

PoorPosted for load

Rice County, Kansas · 1.5E 1.3S of Bushton · Structure no. 000800709005069

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
117 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

7th Rd. over Plum Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 7th Rd. over Plum Creek in Rice County, Kansas. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 40 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 50 by 2044. The structure is 117 ft (35.7 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Carries7th Rd.
CrossesPlum Creek
Location1.5E 1.3S of Bushton
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateKansas
Coordinates38.49528, -98.36942
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating21.6 US tons
Inventory rating15.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length117 ft (35.7 m)
Longest span23 ft (7.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2021)
Projected traffic50 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$940,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 7th Rd. over Plum Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is 7th Rd. over Plum 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does 7th Rd. over Plum Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is 7th Rd. over Plum Creek?

The structure is 117 ft (35.7 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns 7th Rd. over Plum Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.