US Bridges

255 Road over Medicine Creek

Fair

Smith County, Kansas · 1.0S of Claudell · Structure no. 000920639903485

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
46 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
30
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

255 Road over Medicine Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 255 Road over Medicine Creek in Smith County, Kansas. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 35 by 2043. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries255 Road
CrossesMedicine Creek
Location1.0S of Claudell
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySmith County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.64768, -99.03057
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 rating51.5 US tons
Inventory rating30.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2020)
Projected traffic35 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 255 Road over Medicine Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is 255 Road over Medicine 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does 255 Road over Medicine Creek carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is 255 Road over Medicine Creek?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns 255 Road over Medicine Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.