US Bridges

Ave. S over Sand Creek

FairPosted for load

Rice County, Kansas · 3.5N 13.3E of Sterling · Structure no. 000800751905400

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
40 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
25
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ave. S over Sand Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ave. S over Sand Creek in Rice County, Kansas. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 198.8 mi (320 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAve. S
CrossesSand Creek
Location3.5N 13.3E of Sterling
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRice County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.26062, -97.96151
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.
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
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating27 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.7 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 traffic25 (2021)
Projected traffic30 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed198.8 mi (320 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. S over Sand Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

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

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

How long is Ave. S over Sand Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.7 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Ave. S over Sand Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.