US Bridges

L Road (rs 1553) over Bull Creek

Good

Smith County, Kansas · 6.1N 4.0W Smith Center · Structure no. 000000000920076

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
37 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
45
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

L Road (rs 1553) over Bull Creek is a concrete culvert carrying L Road (rs 1553) over Bull Creek in Smith County, Kansas. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 45 vehicles a day, projected to reach 55 by 2043. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesL Road (rs 1553)
CrossesBull Creek
Location6.1N 4.0W Smith Center
RouteCounty Highway 1553
CountySmith County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.87084, -98.86083
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating105.1 US tons
Inventory rating63.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45 (2020)
Projected traffic55 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was L Road (rs 1553) over Bull Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is L Road (rs 1553) over Bull 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 March 2023.

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

About 45 vehicles per day (2020 count).

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

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.4 m).

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

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.