US Bridges

Saline River Road over Saline River Tributary

PoorPosted for load

Ellis County, Kansas · 15.5N 5.2W of Hays · Structure no. 000000000260360

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
85
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Saline River Road over Saline River Tributary is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Saline River Road over Saline River 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 85 vehicles a day, projected to reach 95 by 2044. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSaline River Road
CrossesSaline River Tributary
Location15.5N 5.2W of Hays
RouteCounty Highway 235
CountyEllis County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.10306, -99.42028
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.5 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic85 (2020)
Projected traffic95 by 2044
Trucks0%
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$180,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Saline River Road over Saline River Tributary built?

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

What condition is Saline River Road over Saline River Tributary 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Saline River Road over Saline River Tributary carry?

About 85 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Saline River Road over Saline River Tributary?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Saline River Road over Saline River Tributary?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.