US Bridges

Blue Stem Road over Medicine River

GoodPosted for load

Barber County, Kansas · 3.5E of Kiowa · Structure no. 000000000040630

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
593 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
185
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Blue Stem Road over Medicine River is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Blue Stem Road over Medicine River in Barber County, Kansas. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 185 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 220 by 2043. The structure is 593 ft (180.7 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBlue Stem Road
CrossesMedicine River
Location3.5E of Kiowa
RouteCounty Highway 977
CountyBarber County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.02511, -98.42062
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating29 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadHS 15
Structure length593 ft (180.7 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 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 traffic185 (2021)
Projected traffic220 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Blue Stem Road over Medicine River built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Blue Stem Road over 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 Blue Stem Road over Medicine River carry?

About 185 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Blue Stem Road over Medicine River?

The structure is 593 ft (180.7 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Blue Stem Road over Medicine River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.