US Bridges

252nd RD over Walnut River

FairPosted for load

Cowley County, Kansas · 1.0N 4.1E Arkansas City · Structure no. 000180861106980

Built
1945
80 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
303 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
25
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

252nd RD over Walnut River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 252nd RD over Walnut River in Cowley County, Kansas. It was built in 1945, so it is 80 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, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 35 by 2044. The structure is 303 ft (92.4 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries252nd RD
CrossesWalnut River
Location1.0N 4.1E Arkansas City
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCowley County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.11414, -96.96792
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating38.3 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 10
Structure length303 ft (92.4 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2018)
Projected traffic35 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 252nd RD over Walnut River built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025.

What condition is 252nd RD over Walnut 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does 252nd RD over Walnut River carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is 252nd RD over Walnut River?

The structure is 303 ft (92.4 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns 252nd RD over Walnut River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.