US Bridges

(rs 115) over Hells Canyon

Good

Cheyenne County, Kansas · 9.5N 5.3E of St. Francis · Structure no. 000000000120052

Built
2021
4 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

(rs 115) over Hells Canyon is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying (rs 115) over Hells Canyon in Cheyenne County, Kansas. It was built in 2021, so it is 4 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 60 by 2045. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 7.5 mi (12 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries(rs 115)
CrossesHells Canyon
Location9.5N 5.3E of St. Francis
RouteCounty Highway 115
CountyCheyenne County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.91022, -101.70536
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.4 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2020)
Projected traffic60 by 2045
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed7.5 mi (12 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 (rs 115) over Hells Canyon built?

It was built in 2021, making it 4 years old in 2025.

What condition is (rs 115) over Hells Canyon 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does (rs 115) over Hells Canyon carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is (rs 115) over Hells Canyon?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.4 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns (rs 115) over Hells Canyon?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.