US Bridges

SE Ellis RD over N. Br. Lit. Walnut Riv.

PoorPosted for load

Butler County, Kansas · 2.5E 2.4N of Leon · Structure no. 000080887006141

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
67 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
30
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

SE Ellis RD over N. Br. Lit. Walnut Riv. is a concrete tee beam carrying SE Ellis RD over N. Br. Lit. Walnut Riv. in Butler County, Kansas. It was built in 1920, so it is 105 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 30 by 2045. The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSE Ellis RD
CrossesN. Br. Lit. Walnut Riv.
Location2.5E 2.4N of Leon
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyButler County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.72139, -96.73406
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating21.6 US tons
Inventory rating12.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length67 ft (20.4 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2023)
Projected traffic30 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SE Ellis RD over N. Br. Lit. Walnut Riv. built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025.

What condition is SE Ellis RD over N. Br. Lit. Walnut Riv. in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2025.

How much traffic does SE Ellis RD over N. Br. Lit. Walnut Riv. carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is SE Ellis RD over N. Br. Lit. Walnut Riv.?

The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns SE Ellis RD over N. Br. Lit. Walnut Riv.?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.