US Bridges

79th over Cowskin Creek

Fair

Sedgwick County, Kansas · 79THS 0.5 E of Seneca · Structure no. 000870819506380

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
122 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,061
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

79th over Cowskin Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying 79th over Cowskin Creek in Sedgwick County, Kansas. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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.

It carries about 2,061 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,515 by 2044. The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries79th
CrossesCowskin Creek
Location79THS 0.5 E of Seneca
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySedgwick County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.54986, -97.34314
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating89.9 US tons
Inventory rating53.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length122 ft (37.2 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.5 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,061 (2022)
Projected traffic2,515 by 2044
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$250,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 79th over Cowskin Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is 79th over Cowskin 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does 79th over Cowskin Creek carry?

About 2,061 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is 79th over Cowskin Creek?

The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.5 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns 79th over Cowskin Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.