US Bridges

Ave. X over Cow Creek

FairPosted for load

Rice County, Kansas · 1.4S 9.5E of Sterling · Structure no. 000800745005500

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
122 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
55
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ave. X over Cow Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ave. X over Cow Creek in Rice County, Kansas. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 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 55 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 65 by 2044. The structure is 122 ft (37.2 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. X
CrossesCow Creek
Location1.4S 9.5E of Sterling
RouteCounty Highway 8011
CountyRice County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.18823, -98.032
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 evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating23.1 US tons
Inventory rating13.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length122 ft (37.2 m)
Longest span46 ft (14.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic55 (2021)
Projected traffic65 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ave. X over Cow Creek built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

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

About 55 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Ave. X over Cow Creek?

The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Ave. X over Cow Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.