US Bridges

Mellard Rd. over Paradise Creek

Fair

Russell County, Kansas · 8.0N 2.5E of Russell · Structure no. 000840661504380

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
42 ft
11 main spans
Daily traffic
12
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mellard Rd. over Paradise Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Mellard Rd. over Paradise Creek in Russell County, Kansas. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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.

It carries about 12 vehicles a day, projected to reach 12 by 2044. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 16 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMellard Rd.
CrossesParadise Creek
Location8.0N 2.5E of Russell
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRussell County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.00184, -98.80607
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans11
Design loadUnknown
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span3 ft (1 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12 (2020)
Projected traffic12 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$135,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mellard Rd. over Paradise Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mellard Rd. over Paradise 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Mellard Rd. over Paradise Creek carry?

About 12 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Mellard Rd. over Paradise Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 3 ft (1 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Mellard Rd. over Paradise Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.