US Bridges

N Road over East Beaver Creek

PoorPosted for load

Smith County, Kansas · 1.0N 2.0W Smith Center · Structure no. 000920663003288

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
40 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

N Road over East Beaver Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying N Road over East Beaver 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 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 20 by 2044. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN Road
CrossesEast Beaver Creek
Location1.0N 2.0W Smith Center
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySmith County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.78889, -98.82333
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating14 US tons
Inventory rating8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2020)
Projected traffic20 by 2044
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$240,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was N Road over East Beaver Creek built?

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

What condition is N Road over East Beaver 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does N Road over East Beaver Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is N Road over East Beaver Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns N Road over East Beaver Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.