US Bridges

S County Line Road over Smoky Hill Tributary

FairPosted for load

Ellis County, Kansas · 0.7S 0.5E of Pfeifer · Structure no. 000260623904800

Built
1945
80 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
44 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
35
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

S County Line Road over Smoky Hill Tributary is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S County Line Road over Smoky Hill Tributary in Ellis County, Kansas. It was built in 1945, so it is 80 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 35 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 42 by 2044. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS County Line Road
CrossesSmoky Hill Tributary
Location0.7S 0.5E of Pfeifer
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEllis County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.69733, -99.15442
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.
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; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating15 US tons
Inventory rating9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35 (2020)
Projected traffic42 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$225,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S County Line Road over Smoky Hill Tributary built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025.

What condition is S County Line 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 S County Line Road over Smoky Hill Tributary carry?

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

How long is S County Line Road over Smoky Hill Tributary?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns S County Line Road over Smoky Hill Tributary?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.