US Bridges

Ellis Avenue over Smoky Hill River

Fair

Ellis County, Kansas · 11.4S of Ellis · Structure no. 000000000260010

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
438 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
180
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ellis Avenue over Smoky Hill River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ellis Avenue over Smoky Hill River in Ellis County, Kansas. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 5 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 180 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 200 by 2044. The structure is 438 ft (133.4 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesEllis Avenue
CrossesSmoky Hill River
Location11.4S of Ellis
RouteCounty Highway 230
CountyEllis County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.76922, -99.55982
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length438 ft (133.4 m)
Longest span72 ft (22 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic180 (2020)
Projected traffic200 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 Ellis Avenue over Smoky Hill River built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ellis Avenue over Smoky Hill 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Ellis Avenue over Smoky Hill River carry?

About 180 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Ellis Avenue over Smoky Hill River?

The structure is 438 ft (133.4 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (22 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Ellis Avenue over Smoky Hill River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.