US Bridges

Q Road over E Branch Troublesome Cr.

PoorPosted for load

Smith County, Kansas · 5.8S 1.0E of Thornburg · Structure no. 000920669003188

Built
1925
100 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
40 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Q Road over E Branch Troublesome Cr. is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying Q Road over E Branch Troublesome Cr. in Smith County, Kansas. It was built in 1925, so it is 100 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 4 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 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 10 by 2043. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 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
CrossesE Branch Troublesome Cr.
Location5.8S 1.0E of Thornburg
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySmith County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.86025, -98.76667
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating8.3 US tons
Inventory rating5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width16 ft (5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2020)
Projected traffic10 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$225,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Q Road over E Branch Troublesome Cr. built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025.

What condition is Q Road over E Branch Troublesome Cr. 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 2023.

How much traffic does Q Road over E Branch Troublesome Cr. carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Q Road over E Branch Troublesome Cr.?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Q Road over E Branch Troublesome Cr.?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.