US Bridges

I70 HWY Nl-Sl over Big Creek Drainage

Fair

Russell County, Kansas · 1.17 MI E Ellis CO Lon · Structure no. 999907000840031

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
8,550
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I70 HWY Nl-Sl over Big Creek Drainage is a concrete culvert carrying I70 HWY Nl-Sl over Big Creek Drainage in Russell County, Kansas. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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.

It carries about 8,550 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,854 by 2044. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long and 181 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI70 HWY Nl-Sl
CrossesBig Creek Drainage
Location1.17 MI E Ellis CO Lon
RouteInterstate 70
CountyRussell County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.86333, -99.01861
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length21 ft (6.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width181 ft (55.3 m)
Roadway width120 ft (36.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,550 (2023)
Projected traffic10,854 by 2044
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 I70 HWY Nl-Sl over Big Creek Drainage built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is I70 HWY Nl-Sl over Big Creek Drainage 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does I70 HWY Nl-Sl over Big Creek Drainage carry?

About 8,550 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is I70 HWY Nl-Sl over Big Creek Drainage?

The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 181 ft wide.

Who owns I70 HWY Nl-Sl over Big Creek Drainage?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.