US Bridges

L Road (rs 1553) over Beaver Creek

Good

Smith County, Kansas · 1.9N 0.5W of Gaylord · Structure no. 000000000920070

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
157 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
125
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

L Road (rs 1553) over Beaver Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying L Road (rs 1553) over Beaver Creek in Smith County, Kansas. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 125 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 145 by 2043. The structure is 157 ft (47.9 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesL Road (rs 1553)
CrossesBeaver Creek
Location1.9N 0.5W of Gaylord
RouteCounty Highway 1553
CountySmith County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.68019, -98.86044
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.7 US tons
Inventory rating21.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length157 ft (47.9 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.2 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic125 (2020)
Projected traffic145 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 L Road (rs 1553) over Beaver Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is L Road (rs 1553) over Beaver Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does L Road (rs 1553) over Beaver Creek carry?

About 125 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is L Road (rs 1553) over Beaver Creek?

The structure is 157 ft (47.9 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns L Road (rs 1553) over Beaver Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.