US Bridges

Schoenchen Road over Smoky Hill Tributary

Good

Ellis County, Kansas · 5.0W of Schoechen · Structure no. 000000000260790

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
94 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
75
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Schoenchen Road over Smoky Hill Tributary is a concrete continuous slab carrying Schoenchen Road over Smoky Hill Tributary in Ellis County, Kansas. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 75 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 85 by 2044. The structure is 94 ft (28.5 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSchoenchen Road
CrossesSmoky Hill Tributary
Location5.0W of Schoechen
RouteCounty Highway 2008
CountyEllis County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.71118, -99.42673
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.6 US tons
Inventory rating33.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length94 ft (28.5 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic75 (2020)
Projected traffic85 by 2044
Trucks10%
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Schoenchen Road over Smoky Hill Tributary built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is Schoenchen Road over Smoky Hill Tributary in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does Schoenchen Road over Smoky Hill Tributary carry?

About 75 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Schoenchen Road over Smoky Hill Tributary?

The structure is 94 ft (28.5 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Schoenchen Road over Smoky Hill Tributary?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.