US Bridges

270th Avenue over Smoky Hill Tributary

Fair

Ellis County, Kansas · 0.6N 2.5E of Schoenchen · Structure no. 000260611004764

Built
2009
16 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

270th Avenue over Smoky Hill Tributary is a concrete culvert carrying 270th Avenue over Smoky Hill Tributary in Ellis County, Kansas. It was built in 2009, so it is 16 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 15 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 20 by 2044. The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries270th Avenue
CrossesSmoky Hill Tributary
Location0.6N 2.5E of Schoenchen
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEllis County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.71975, -99.28292
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (8 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2020)
Projected traffic20 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 270th Avenue over Smoky Hill Tributary built?

It was built in 2009, making it 16 years old in 2025.

What condition is 270th Avenue 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 270th Avenue over Smoky Hill Tributary carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is 270th Avenue over Smoky Hill Tributary?

The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns 270th Avenue over Smoky Hill Tributary?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.