US Bridges

L Road (rs 1553) over West Beaver Creek

FairPosted for load

Smith County, Kansas · 2.2S 4.0W of Smith Center · Structure no. 000000000920071

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
133 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
135
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

L Road (rs 1553) over West Beaver Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying L Road (rs 1553) over West Beaver Creek in Smith County, Kansas. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 135 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 155 by 2043. The structure is 133 ft (40.4 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)
CrossesWest Beaver Creek
Location2.2S 4.0W of Smith Center
RouteCounty Highway 1553
CountySmith County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.75278, -98.86072
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 rating33.5 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length133 ft (40.4 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 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 traffic135 (2020)
Projected traffic155 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 West Beaver Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is L Road (rs 1553) over West Beaver 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 August 2024.

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

About 135 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

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

The structure is 133 ft (40.4 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

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

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.