US Bridges

Ave. U over Cow Creek

FairPosted for load

Rice County, Kansas · 1.5N 6.8E of Sterling · Structure no. 000800739305440

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
119 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
65
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ave. U over Cow Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ave. U over 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 65 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 80 by 2044. The structure is 119 ft (36.3 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. U
CrossesCow Creek
Location1.5N 6.8E of Sterling
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRice County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.23197, -98.0814
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; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34.7 US tons
Inventory rating20.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length119 ft (36.3 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic65 (2021)
Projected traffic80 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. U over Cow Creek built?

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

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

About 65 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Ave. U over Cow Creek?

The structure is 119 ft (36.3 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Ave. U over Cow Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.