US Bridges

50 Road over White Rock Creek

PoorPosted for load

Smith County, Kansas · 3.5N 4.0E of Cora · Structure no. 000920687403080

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

50 Road over White Rock Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 50 Road over White Rock Creek in Smith County, Kansas. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 25 ft (7.5 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries50 Road
CrossesWhite Rock Creek
Location3.5N 4.0E of Cora
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySmith County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.9441, -98.59069
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.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating10.4 US tons
Inventory rating7.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.5 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 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 closed3.1 mi (5 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 50 Road over White Rock Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is 50 Road over White Rock 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 2023.

How much traffic does 50 Road over White Rock Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is 50 Road over White Rock Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.5 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns 50 Road over White Rock Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.