US Bridges

5th Road over Trib. Smoky Hill River

Fair

Ellsworth County, Kansas · 3.4E 4.4S of Wilson · Structure no. 000000000270060

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
35 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
25
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

5th Road over Trib. Smoky Hill River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 5th Road over Trib. Smoky Hill River in Ellsworth County, Kansas. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 25 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 30 by 2044. The structure is 35 ft (10.8 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries5th Road
CrossesTrib. Smoky Hill River
Location3.4E 4.4S of Wilson
RouteCounty Highway 236
CountyEllsworth County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.75981, -98.41211
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating29.8 US tons
Inventory rating17 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length35 ft (10.8 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2020)
Projected traffic30 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 5th Road over Trib. Smoky Hill River built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is 5th Road over Trib. 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does 5th Road over Trib. Smoky Hill River carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is 5th Road over Trib. Smoky Hill River?

The structure is 35 ft (10.8 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns 5th Road over Trib. Smoky Hill River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.