US Bridges

17 Road over Salt Fork Arkansas River

FairPosted for load

Comanche County, Kansas · 1.1S 3.5E of Buttermilk · Structure no. 000170607707003

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
76 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

17 Road over Salt Fork Arkansas River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 17 Road over Salt Fork Arkansas River in Comanche County, Kansas. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger 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 20 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 24 by 2044. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries17 Road
CrossesSalt Fork Arkansas River
Location1.1S 3.5E of Buttermilk
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyComanche County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.08767, -99.25711
Functional classRural Minor 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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating89.6 US tons
Inventory rating53.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2021)
Projected traffic24 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$410,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 17 Road over Salt Fork Arkansas River built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is 17 Road over Salt Fork 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does 17 Road over Salt Fork Arkansas River carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is 17 Road over Salt Fork Arkansas River?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns 17 Road over Salt Fork Arkansas River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.