US Bridges

W Road over Middle Oak Creek

FairPosted for load

Smith County, Kansas · 4.2S 0.5E of Cora · Structure no. 000920681003227

Built
1925
100 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

W Road over Middle Oak Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying W Road over Middle Oak Creek 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 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 2043. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesW Road
CrossesMiddle Oak Creek
Location4.2S 0.5E of Cora
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySmith County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.83205, -98.65414
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating42.5 US tons
Inventory rating25.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.8 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 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$150,000 (2031 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was W Road over Middle Oak Creek built?

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

What condition is W Road over Middle Oak 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does W Road over Middle Oak Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is W Road over Middle Oak Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.8 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns W Road over Middle Oak Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.