US Bridges

M Road over Bull Creek

PoorPosted for load

Smith County, Kansas · 0.8S 3.0W of Thornburg · Structure no. 000920661003088

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

M Road over Bull Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M Road over Bull Creek in Smith County, Kansas. It was built in 1920, so it is 105 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 10 by 2044. The structure is 24 ft (7.2 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM Road
CrossesBull Creek
Location0.8S 3.0W of Thornburg
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySmith County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.93305, -98.8421
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating12.3 US tons
Inventory rating7.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.2 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2020)
Projected traffic10 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$225,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M Road over Bull Creek built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025.

What condition is M Road over Bull Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does M Road over Bull Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is M Road over Bull Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.2 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns M Road over Bull Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.