US Bridges

Wiles Road over Saline River Tributary

Fair

Ellis County, Kansas · 14.2N 1.9E of Walker · Structure no. 000000000260480

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 2023
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
39 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
35
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wiles Road over Saline River Tributary is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wiles Road over Saline River Tributary in Ellis County, Kansas. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 2023, so it is 100 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.

It carries about 35 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 40 by 2044. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWiles Road
CrossesSaline River Tributary
Location14.2N 1.9E of Walker
RouteCounty Highway 235
CountyEllis County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.07492, -99.04182
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating83.7 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35 (2020)
Projected traffic40 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$225,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wiles Road over Saline River Tributary built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2023.

What condition is Wiles Road over Saline River 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 Wiles Road over Saline River Tributary carry?

About 35 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Wiles Road over Saline River Tributary?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Wiles Road over Saline River Tributary?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.