US Bridges

Local Rd. 38 over South Branch Mill Creek

PoorPosted for load

Wabaunsee County, Kansas · 3.2S 0.6E of Alma · Structure no. 000990933804422

Built
1921
104 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
44 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
23
2013 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local Rd. 38 over South Branch Mill Creek is a concrete slab carrying Local Rd. 38 over South Branch Mill Creek in Wabaunsee County, Kansas. It was built in 1921, so it is 104 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 23 vehicles a day, projected to reach 27 by 2043. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal Rd. 38
CrossesSouth Branch Mill Creek
Location3.2S 0.6E of Alma
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWabaunsee County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.96759, -96.26659
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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating50.2 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.9 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23 (2013)
Projected traffic27 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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$300,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local Rd. 38 over South Branch Mill Creek built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local Rd. 38 over South Branch Mill 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Local Rd. 38 over South Branch Mill Creek carry?

About 23 vehicles per day (2013 count).

How long is Local Rd. 38 over South Branch Mill Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns Local Rd. 38 over South Branch Mill Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.