US Bridges

Blackjack over Caney River

Fair

Elk County, Kansas · 1.0S 0.4W of Grenola · Structure no. 000000000250030

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
303 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
30
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Blackjack over Caney River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Blackjack over Caney River in Elk County, Kansas. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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.

It carries about 30 vehicles a day, roughly 10% 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 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBlackjack
CrossesCaney River
Location1.0S 0.4W of Grenola
RouteCounty Highway 95
CountyElk County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.33127, -96.45234
Functional classRural Major 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating43 US tons
Inventory rating25.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length303 ft (92.4 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2019)
Projected traffic35 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Blackjack over Caney River built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is Blackjack over Caney 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Blackjack over Caney River carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Blackjack over Caney River?

The structure is 303 ft (92.4 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Blackjack over Caney River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.