US Bridges

I-70 Highway over South Fork Sappa Creek

Fair

Thomas County, Kansas · 0.38 MI E. of SH Co. L · Structure no. 999907000970011

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,950
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-70 Highway over South Fork Sappa Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I-70 Highway over South Fork Sappa Creek in Thomas County, Kansas. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 5,950 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,405 by 2044. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 196 ft wide.

CarriesI-70 Highway
CrossesSouth Fork Sappa Creek
Location0.38 MI E. of SH Co. L
RouteInterstate 70
StateKansas
Coordinates39.33333, -101.38444
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating93 US tons
Inventory rating56 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width196 ft (59.7 m)
Roadway width80 ft (24.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,950 (2023)
Projected traffic7,405 by 2044
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-70 Highway over South Fork Sappa Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-70 Highway over South Fork Sappa 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does I-70 Highway over South Fork Sappa Creek carry?

About 5,950 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is I-70 Highway over South Fork Sappa Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 196 ft wide.

Who owns I-70 Highway over South Fork Sappa Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.