US Bridges

143rd over Polecat Creek

FairPosted for load

Sedgwick County, Kansas · 143RDE 0.4 N of 79THS · Structure no. 000870839006366

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
27 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
631
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

143rd over Polecat Creek is a steel culvert carrying 143rd over Polecat Creek in Sedgwick County, Kansas. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 631 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 770 by 2044. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries143rd
CrossesPolecat Creek
Location143RDE 0.4 N of 79THS
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySedgwick County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.55435, -97.17116
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating30.2 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckOther
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic631 (2022)
Projected traffic770 by 2044
Trucks5%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 143rd over Polecat Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is 143rd over Polecat 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does 143rd over Polecat Creek carry?

About 631 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is 143rd over Polecat Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns 143rd over Polecat Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.