US Bridges

US183 HWY over Smoky Hill River

Fair

Ellis County, Kansas · 1.19 MI N Rush Coln · Structure no. 999918300260441

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
544 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
3,581
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US183 HWY over Smoky Hill River is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying US183 HWY over Smoky Hill River in Ellis County, Kansas. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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.

It carries about 3,581 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,117 by 2044. The structure is 544 ft (165.7 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS183 HWY
CrossesSmoky Hill River
Location1.19 MI N Rush Coln
RouteU.S. Route 183
CountyEllis County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.71389, -99.32028
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating36.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length544 ft (165.7 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.6 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,581 (2023)
Projected traffic4,117 by 2044
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 US183 HWY over Smoky Hill River built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is US183 HWY over Smoky Hill 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US183 HWY over Smoky Hill River carry?

About 3,581 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US183 HWY over Smoky Hill River?

The structure is 544 ft (165.7 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.6 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US183 HWY over Smoky Hill River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.