US Bridges

Gerlane RD over Medicine River

FairPosted for load

Barber County, Kansas · 9.2N 2.0W of Kiowa · Structure no. 000000000040750

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
484 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
75
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Gerlane RD over Medicine River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Gerlane RD over Medicine River in Barber County, Kansas. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 6 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 75 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 90 by 2043. The structure is 484 ft (147.5 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

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CarriesGerlane RD
CrossesMedicine River
Location9.2N 2.0W of Kiowa
RouteCounty Highway 1717
CountyBarber County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.15603, -98.52928
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating20.8 US tons
Inventory rating12.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckOther
Main spans7
Design loadH 20
Structure length484 ft (147.5 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic75 (2021)
Projected traffic90 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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 Gerlane RD over Medicine River built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is Gerlane RD over Medicine River 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Gerlane RD over Medicine River carry?

About 75 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Gerlane RD over Medicine River?

The structure is 484 ft (147.5 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Gerlane RD over Medicine River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.