US Bridges

Z Road over Wolf Creek

PoorPosted for load

Smith County, Kansas · 2.0N 3.5E of Cora · Structure no. 000920687003103

Built
1925
100 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
62 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
10
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Z Road over Wolf Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Z Road over Wolf 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 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 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15 by 2043. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesZ Road
CrossesWolf Creek
Location2.0N 3.5E of Cora
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySmith County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.92368, -98.59842
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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating16.6 US tons
Inventory rating11.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2020)
Projected traffic15 by 2043
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Z Road over Wolf Creek built?

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

What condition is Z Road over Wolf 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 Z Road over Wolf Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Z Road over Wolf Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Z Road over Wolf Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.