US Bridges

U Road over Wolfe Canyon

FairPosted for load

Cheyenne County, Kansas · 7.0N of Bird City · Structure no. 000120371103200

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Masonry
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

U Road over Wolfe Canyon is a masonry culvert carrying U Road over Wolfe Canyon in Cheyenne County, Kansas. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 25 vehicles a day, projected to reach 30 by 2045. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesU Road
CrossesWolfe Canyon
Location7.0N of Bird City
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCheyenne County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.85831, -101.54047
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating24.1 US tons
Inventory rating24.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.2 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2020)
Projected traffic30 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 U Road over Wolfe Canyon built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is U Road over Wolfe Canyon 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does U Road over Wolfe Canyon carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is U Road over Wolfe Canyon?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.2 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns U Road over Wolfe Canyon?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.