US Bridges

Pfeifer Avenue over Smoky Hill Tributary

FairPosted for load

Ellis County, Kansas · 0.3S 0.3W of Pfeifer · Structure no. 000000000260140

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
110
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pfeifer Avenue over Smoky Hill Tributary is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pfeifer Avenue over Smoky Hill Tributary in Ellis County, Kansas. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 110 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 120 by 2044. The structure is 30 ft (9.2 m) long and 28 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPfeifer Avenue
CrossesSmoky Hill Tributary
Location0.3S 0.3W of Pfeifer
RouteCounty Highway 231
CountyEllis County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.70417, -99.17083
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating20 US tons
Inventory rating11.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.2 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.9 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic110 (2020)
Projected traffic120 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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$225,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pfeifer Avenue over Smoky Hill Tributary built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pfeifer 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Pfeifer Avenue over Smoky Hill Tributary carry?

About 110 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Pfeifer Avenue over Smoky Hill Tributary?

The structure is 30 ft (9.2 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.9 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Pfeifer Avenue over Smoky Hill Tributary?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.