US Bridges

J Road over West Beaver Creek

FairPosted for load

Smith County, Kansas · 3.0N 1.2E of Athol · Structure no. 000920655003265

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

J Road over West Beaver Creek is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying J Road over West Beaver Creek in Smith County, Kansas. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2043. The structure is 40 ft (12.3 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesJ Road
CrossesWest Beaver Creek
Location3.0N 1.2E of Athol
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySmith County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.80694, -98.89806
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating7.6 US tons
Inventory rating4.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.3 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2020)
Projected traffic20 by 2043
Trucks0%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$230,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was J Road over West Beaver Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is J Road 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does J Road over West Beaver Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is J Road over West Beaver Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.3 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns J Road over West Beaver Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.