US Bridges

Blue Bird Road over Lake Creek Tributary

Good

Wallace County, Kansas · 13.0N 1.3W Sharon Springs · Structure no. 000000001000018

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
45
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Blue Bird Road over Lake Creek Tributary is a concrete culvert carrying Blue Bird Road over Lake Creek Tributary in Wallace County, Kansas. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 45 vehicles a day, projected to reach 55 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBlue Bird Road
CrossesLake Creek Tributary
Location13.0N 1.3W Sharon Springs
RouteCounty Highway 1644
CountyWallace County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.09008, -101.77236
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34.9 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length21 ft (6.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45 (2020)
Projected traffic55 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 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 Blue Bird Road over Lake Creek Tributary built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Blue Bird Road over Lake Creek Tributary 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 2023.

How much traffic does Blue Bird Road over Lake Creek Tributary carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Blue Bird Road over Lake Creek Tributary?

The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Blue Bird Road over Lake Creek Tributary?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.