US Bridges

Ave. L over Cow Creek

Fair

Rice County, Kansas · 1.7N 2.8E of Chase · Structure no. 000800715805260

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
115 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
25
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ave. L over Cow Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ave. L over Cow Creek in Rice County, Kansas. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 5 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 25 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 30 by 2044. The structure is 115 ft (35.2 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAve. L
CrossesCow Creek
Location1.7N 2.8E of Chase
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRice County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.36226, -98.29806
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, 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 statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.5 US tons
Inventory rating26.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length115 ft (35.2 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2021)
Projected traffic30 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 Ave. L over Cow Creek built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ave. L 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 Ave. L over Cow Creek carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Ave. L over Cow Creek?

The structure is 115 ft (35.2 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Ave. L over Cow Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.