US Bridges

24th Rd. over Cow Creek

FairPosted for load

Rice County, Kansas · 8.5E of Sterling · Structure no. 000800743005463

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
129 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

24th Rd. over Cow Creek is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying 24th Rd. over Cow Creek in Rice County, Kansas. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 40 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 50 by 2044. The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Carries24th Rd.
CrossesCow Creek
Location8.5E of Sterling
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateKansas
Coordinates38.21314, -98.05037
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating27 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length129 ft (39.3 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 24th Rd. over Cow Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is 24th Rd. 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 24th Rd. over Cow Creek carry?

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

How long is 24th Rd. over Cow Creek?

The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns 24th Rd. over Cow Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.