US Bridges

Ave. K over Little Cow Creek

FairPosted for load

Rice County, Kansas · 2.1W 2.0N of Lyons · Structure no. 000800721905240

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ave. K over Little Cow Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ave. K over Little Cow Creek in Rice County, Kansas. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 6 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 30 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 35 by 2044. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAve. K
CrossesLittle Cow Creek
Location2.1W 2.0N of Lyons
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRice County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.37693, -98.24094
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating22 US tons
Inventory rating13.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2021)
Projected traffic35 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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. K over Little Cow Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ave. K over Little 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. K over Little Cow Creek carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Ave. K over Little Cow Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Ave. K over Little Cow Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.