US Bridges

Schoenchen Road over Smoky Hill River

FairPosted for load

Ellis County, Kansas · 1.0W of Schoenchen · Structure no. 000000000260610

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
140 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
265
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Schoenchen Road over Smoky Hill River is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Schoenchen Road over Smoky Hill River in Ellis County, Kansas. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 5 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 265 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 285 by 2044. The structure is 140 ft (42.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSchoenchen Road
CrossesSmoky Hill River
Location1.0W of Schoenchen
RouteCounty Highway 1721
CountyEllis County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.71148, -99.34807
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34.4 US tons
Inventory rating20.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length140 ft (42.6 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.4 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic265 (2020)
Projected traffic285 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$720,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Schoenchen Road over Smoky Hill River built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is Schoenchen Road over Smoky Hill River 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 Schoenchen Road over Smoky Hill River carry?

About 265 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Schoenchen Road over Smoky Hill River?

The structure is 140 ft (42.6 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.4 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Schoenchen Road over Smoky Hill River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.