US Bridges

N 159th over Prairie Creek

FairPosted for load

Sedgwick County, Kansas · 159THE 0.5 N of 85THN · Structure no. 000870841005965

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
63 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

N 159th over Prairie Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying N 159th over Prairie Creek in Sedgwick County, Kansas. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 60 by 2044. The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN 159th
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location159THE 0.5 N of 85THN
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySedgwick County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.84769, -97.15231
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating23 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length63 ft (19.2 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.3 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2022)
Projected traffic60 by 2044
Trucks0%
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was N 159th over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is N 159th over Prairie 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does N 159th over Prairie Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is N 159th over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.3 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns N 159th over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.