US Bridges

Ave. S over Dry Creek

FairPosted for load

Rice County, Kansas · 3.5N 6.0E of Sterling · Structure no. 000800737605400

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ave. S over Dry Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ave. S over Dry Creek in Rice County, Kansas. It was built in 1927, so it is 98 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 25 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 30 by 2044. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAve. S
CrossesDry Creek
Location3.5N 6.0E of Sterling
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRice County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.26051, -98.09618
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 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 evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating13.1 US tons
Inventory rating7.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.3 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$620,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ave. S over Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ave. S over Dry 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. S over Dry Creek carry?

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

How long is Ave. S over Dry Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.3 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Ave. S over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.