US Bridges

Local Rd. 131 over Paw Paw Creek

FairPosted for load

Wabaunsee County, Kansas · 1.7N of Mcfarland · Structure no. 000990937104263

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2013 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local Rd. 131 over Paw Paw Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local Rd. 131 over Paw Paw Creek in Wabaunsee County, Kansas. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 25 by 2043. The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal Rd. 131
CrossesPaw Paw Creek
Location1.7N of Mcfarland
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWabaunsee County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.07956, -96.23955
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, 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 inspectionNovember 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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating16.8 US tons
Inventory rating10.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length35 ft (10.6 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.3 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2013)
Projected traffic25 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$270,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local Rd. 131 over Paw Paw Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local Rd. 131 over Paw Paw 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Local Rd. 131 over Paw Paw Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2013 count).

How long is Local Rd. 131 over Paw Paw Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.3 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Local Rd. 131 over Paw Paw Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.