US Bridges

Ellis Avenue over Smoky Hill Tributary

FairPosted for load

Ellis County, Kansas · 8.9S of Ellis · Structure no. 000000000260020

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
83 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
185
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ellis Avenue over Smoky Hill Tributary is a concrete culvert carrying Ellis Avenue over Smoky Hill Tributary in Ellis County, Kansas. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 185 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 200 by 2044. The structure is 83 ft (25.4 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesEllis Avenue
CrossesSmoky Hill Tributary
Location8.9S of Ellis
RouteCounty Highway 230
CountyEllis County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.80802, -99.55942
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating31.5 US tons
Inventory rating18.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length83 ft (25.4 m)
Longest span20 ft (6 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic185 (2020)
Projected traffic200 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$450,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ellis Avenue over Smoky Hill Tributary built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ellis Avenue over Smoky Hill Tributary 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 Tributary carry?

About 185 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Ellis Avenue over Smoky Hill Tributary?

The structure is 83 ft (25.4 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Ellis Avenue over Smoky Hill Tributary?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.