US Bridges

Pfeifer Avenue over Smoky Hill River

Poor

Ellis County, Kansas · 0.5N 0.7E of Pfeifer · Structure no. 000000000260150

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
438 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
110
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pfeifer Avenue over Smoky Hill River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pfeifer 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 110 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 120 by 2044. The structure is 438 ft (133.5 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPfeifer Avenue
CrossesSmoky Hill River
Location0.5N 0.7E of Pfeifer
RouteCounty Highway 231
CountyEllis County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.71403, -99.15325
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length438 ft (133.5 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 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 traffic110 (2020)
Projected traffic120 by 2044
Trucks14%
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$769,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pfeifer Avenue over Smoky Hill River built?

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

What condition is Pfeifer Avenue over Smoky Hill River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

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

About 110 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Pfeifer Avenue over Smoky Hill River?

The structure is 438 ft (133.5 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Pfeifer Avenue over Smoky Hill River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.