FHWA NBI 2026 Inspection record Public-domain dataset

RS 787 50-39-5

Carrying RS 787 50-39-5 over MIDDLE SHOO FLY CREEK

4.5N 2.5W OF SOUTH HAVEN, Sumner, Kansas

FHWA NBI inspection record for this structure. Condition ratings, inventory load rating, span, deck width, and average daily traffic refresh annually with each NBI release.

Fair
16 t Inventory load rating

Bridge Snapshot: RS 787 50-39-5

The RS 787 50-39-5 bridge in Sumner, Kansas carries RS 787 50-39-5 over MIDDLE SHOO FLY CREEK. It was built in 2001, making it 25 years old today. The structure is built primarily of steel continuous and spans 2 sections, stretching 18.7 meters (61 feet) end to end. Daily traffic averages 105 vehicles, placing it in the lower-traffic tier of Kansas bridges. It is owned and maintained by County Highway Agency, the entity responsible for routine inspections and any needed repairs.

The latest FHWA inspection records show a deck rating of 6/9, superstructure at 7/9, substructure at 7/9 on the 0–9 NBI scale, where 9 is excellent and 0 is failed. The weakest component sits in fair condition, which drives the overall status of this bridge. No major component scores in the poor range, so the bridge is not classified as structurally deficient under federal criteria. Its NBI inventory load rating is 15.8 metric tons — the load level the structure is rated to carry at inventory (long-term) level.

In a county that maintains hundreds of NBI-tracked bridges, RS 787 50-39-5 is one data point in a Kansas inventory that FHWA inspects on a two-year cycle (more often when ratings fall). Bridge age alone is not a reliable safety signal — a 25-era structure can outperform a newer one when maintenance is consistent, materials are sound, and traffic loads stay within design limits. Use the condition ratings above, the sufficiency score, and the structurally-deficient flag together to read the bridge's real status, and check the linked county and state pages to see how this bridge ranks against its peers.

Every figure on this page comes directly from the Federal Highway Administration National Bridge Inventory (NBI), the public dataset that catalogs more than 617,000 highway bridges across the United States and is updated annually from the records that each state Department of Transportation submits to the FHWA. The condition codes use the standardized FHWA Recording and Coding Guide, the same scale that determines federal eligibility for the Highway Bridge Program and the Surface Transportation Block Grant set-aside for off-system bridges. A "structurally deficient" classification under those federal criteria is a maintenance and funding flag, never a closure order; states keep deficient bridges open with load posting, weight limits, or accelerated inspection cycles until rehabilitation or replacement is funded. See our methodology for refresh cadence and the exact NBI release vintage powering each record.

How RS 787 50-39-5 compares

▼ 13.3
Load rating vs Kansas average (29.1 t)
Bottom 16%
Lower load rating than 84% of Kansas bridges
661
Bridges in Sumner · 16 structurally deficient
RS 787 50-39-5 15.8 t
Kansas average 29.1 t

NBI inventory load rating (metric tons) and structural-deficiency status compared across Kansas, computed live from the FHWA NBI.

Condition Ratings

Deck
6/9
Fair (5–6)
Superstructure
7/9
Good (7–9)
Substructure
7/9
Good (7–9)
Inventory Load Rating
15.8 t
NBI inventory level (metric tons)
SD Status
Not SD

Ratings are on a 0–9 scale: 9 = Excellent, 7–8 = Good, 5–6 = Fair, 3–4 = Poor, 0–2 = Critical/Failed. Sufficiency rating (0–100) combines structural adequacy, functional obsolescence, and essentiality.

Structural Details

Year Built
2001
Material
Steel Continuous
Number of Spans
2
Structure Length
18.7 m (61 ft)
Deck Width
7.4 m (24 ft)
Owner
County Highway Agency
Avg Daily Traffic
105 vehicles/day
Structure Number
000000000960690

Location

4.5N 2.5W OF SOUTH HAVEN, Sumner, Kansas
37.114189, -97.446967
View on Google Maps ↗

Data Source

Data from the FHWA National Bridge Inventory (NBI). Bridge inspections are required every two years by federal law. Conditions reflect the most recent inspection.

FHWA NBI Program ↗

Condition Analysis

Built in 2001, this bridge is 25 years old. It carries approximately 105 vehicles per day. Based on the most recent FHWA inspection:

  • The deck (driving surface) is in fair condition (6/9), with minor deterioration that may require routine maintenance.
  • The superstructure (beams and supports above the deck) is in good condition (7/9), showing no significant deterioration.
  • The substructure (piers and abutments) is in good condition (7/9), showing no significant deterioration.

Its NBI inventory load rating is low, indicating a load-restricted structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the condition ratings mean for RS 787 50-39-5?

Bridge condition ratings use a 0–9 scale set by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Ratings 7–9 indicate good condition with no significant problems. Ratings 5–6 mean fair condition with minor issues. Ratings 3–4 indicate poor condition requiring repair. Ratings 0–2 are critical, meaning the bridge has serious structural problems. RS 787 50-39-5 in Sumner, Kansas has a deck rating of 6/9, superstructure rating of 7/9, and substructure rating of 7/9.

How often is RS 787 50-39-5 inspected?

Federal law requires most highway bridges to be inspected at least every 24 months. Bridges in poor condition or with known issues may be inspected more frequently (every 12 months or less). RS 787 50-39-5 is part of the National Bridge Inventory maintained by the FHWA. With 105 vehicles crossing daily, regular inspection is essential.

What does "structurally deficient" mean for a bridge?

A structurally deficient bridge has at least one major component (deck, superstructure, or substructure) rated 4 or below on the FHWA 0–9 scale. This classification does NOT mean the bridge is unsafe for travel — it means the bridge needs repair, rehabilitation, or eventual replacement. Structurally deficient bridges remain open and are monitored. RS 787 50-39-5 is not classified as structurally deficient.

What is the inventory load rating for RS 787 50-39-5?

The NBI inventory rating is the load level a bridge is rated to carry for an indefinite period, recorded in metric tons. A lower number means the structure is more load-restricted. RS 787 50-39-5 has an inventory load rating of 15.8 metric tons. It is distinct from the FHWA sufficiency rating, a separate 0–100 funding-eligibility score that this dataset does not include.

Who is responsible for maintaining RS 787 50-39-5?

Bridge ownership and maintenance responsibility varies — bridges may be owned by state DOTs, counties, cities, railroads, or federal agencies. RS 787 50-39-5 is maintained by County Highway Agency. The FHWA oversees the National Bridge Inventory program and sets inspection standards, but day-to-day maintenance falls to the owning agency. If you notice damage or safety concerns, contact your state DOT or call 911 for emergencies.

How old is RS 787 50-39-5 and does age affect safety?

RS 787 50-39-5 was built in 2001, making it 25 years old. Bridge age alone does not determine safety — condition depends on materials, design, traffic load, maintenance history, and environmental exposure. Many older bridges remain in good condition due to regular maintenance and reconstruction.

Disclaimer: Bridge condition data is from the FHWA NBI and reflects the last reported inspection. A structurally deficient rating does not mean a bridge is closed or unsafe for travel — it indicates the bridge requires repair or replacement. For current closure or safety information, contact your state DOT.

Related

Data sourced from official U.S. government datasets. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainBridges Editorial