US Bridges

Chetolah Gold Road over Smoky Hill Tributary

FairPosted for load

Ellis County, Kansas · 3.0S 0.7W of Antonino · Structure no. 000260597304740

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
35
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Chetolah Gold Road over Smoky Hill Tributary is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Chetolah Gold Road over Smoky Hill Tributary in Ellis County, Kansas. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 35 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 44 by 2044. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesChetolah Gold Road
CrossesSmoky Hill Tributary
Location3.0S 0.7W of Antonino
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEllis County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.74028, -99.40472
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating15.8 US tons
Inventory rating9.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.5 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35 (2020)
Projected traffic44 by 2044
Trucks5%
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$135,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Chetolah Gold Road over Smoky Hill Tributary built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Chetolah Gold Road over Smoky Hill 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Chetolah Gold Road over Smoky Hill Tributary carry?

About 35 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Chetolah Gold Road over Smoky Hill Tributary?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.5 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Chetolah Gold Road over Smoky Hill Tributary?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.