US Bridges

170th Avenue over Saline River

Fair

Ellis County, Kansas · 9.9N 5.0E of Ellis · Structure no. 000260591004261

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
72 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
30
2014 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

170th Avenue over Saline River is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying 170th Avenue over Saline River in Ellis County, Kansas. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 years old, younger 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 30 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 40 by 2044. The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries170th Avenue
CrossesSaline River
Location9.9N 5.0E of Ellis
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEllis County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.08643, -99.46352
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.8 US tons
Inventory rating25.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length72 ft (21.9 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2014)
Projected traffic40 by 2044
Trucks5%
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 170th Avenue over Saline River built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is 170th Avenue over Saline 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does 170th Avenue over Saline River carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is 170th Avenue over Saline River?

The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns 170th Avenue over Saline River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.