US Bridges

River Road over Trib. to Medicine River

Good

Barber County, Kansas · 1.5E of Sun City · Structure no. 000000000040230

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
195
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

River Road over Trib. to Medicine River is a concrete culvert carrying River Road over Trib. to Medicine River in Barber County, Kansas. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger 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 195 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 235 by 2043. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRiver Road
CrossesTrib. to Medicine River
Location1.5E of Sun City
RouteCounty Highway 32
CountyBarber County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.37572, -98.8975
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 inspectionOctober 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating32.4 US tons
Inventory rating19.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic195 (2021)
Projected traffic235 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was River Road over Trib. to Medicine River built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is River Road over Trib. to Medicine River 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does River Road over Trib. to Medicine River carry?

About 195 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is River Road over Trib. to Medicine River?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns River Road over Trib. to Medicine River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.