US Bridges

SW 50 Ave over Arkansas River

Fair

Barton County, Kansas · 0.5S 1.5E of Dundee · Structure no. 000000000050060

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
791 ft
14 main spans
Daily traffic
595
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

SW 50 Ave over Arkansas River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SW 50 Ave over Arkansas River in Barton County, Kansas. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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.

It carries about 595 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 880 by 2043. The structure is 791 ft (241.1 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSW 50 Ave
CrossesArkansas River
Location0.5S 1.5E of Dundee
RouteCounty Highway 38
CountyBarton County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.30531, -98.86653
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating36.8 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans14
Design loadHS 20
Structure length791 ft (241.1 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic595 (2022)
Projected traffic880 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 SW 50 Ave over Arkansas River built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is SW 50 Ave over Arkansas 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SW 50 Ave over Arkansas River carry?

About 595 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SW 50 Ave over Arkansas River?

The structure is 791 ft (241.1 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns SW 50 Ave over Arkansas River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.