US Bridges

Q Road over Walnut Creek

FairPosted for load

Smith County, Kansas · 3.0W of Womer · Structure no. 000920669003041

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
49 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
10
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Q Road over Walnut Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Q Road over Walnut Creek in Smith County, Kansas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1970, 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15 by 2044. The structure is 49 ft (14.8 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesQ Road
CrossesWalnut Creek
Location3.0W of Womer
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySmith County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.97194, -98.76625
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.
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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating12 US tons
Inventory rating7.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length49 ft (14.8 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.6 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2020)
Projected traffic15 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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$225,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Q Road over Walnut Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is Q Road over Walnut 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 2024.

How much traffic does Q Road over Walnut Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Q Road over Walnut Creek?

The structure is 49 ft (14.8 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.6 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Q Road over Walnut Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.