US Bridges

County RD 15 over Prairie Dog Creek

Good

Thomas County, Kansas · 1.3S 4.0W of Colby · Structure no. 000970413003863

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
61 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
120
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County RD 15 over Prairie Dog Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County RD 15 over Prairie Dog Creek in Thomas County, Kansas. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 120 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 150 by 2044. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty RD 15
CrossesPrairie Dog Creek
Location1.3S 4.0W of Colby
RouteCounty Highway 9701
CountyThomas County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.37474, -101.13
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.1 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span20 ft (6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic120 (2020)
Projected traffic150 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 County RD 15 over Prairie Dog Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is County RD 15 over Prairie Dog Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does County RD 15 over Prairie Dog Creek carry?

About 120 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is County RD 15 over Prairie Dog Creek?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns County RD 15 over Prairie Dog Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.