US Bridges

5th Road over Smoky Hill River

FairPosted for load

Ellsworth County, Kansas · 3.0S 3.4E of Wilson · Structure no. 000000000270070

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
303 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
25
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

5th Road over Smoky Hill River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 5th Road over Smoky Hill River in Ellsworth County, Kansas. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 25 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 80 by 2044. The structure is 303 ft (92.4 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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Carries5th Road
CrossesSmoky Hill River
Location3.0S 3.4E of Wilson
RouteCounty Highway 236
CountyEllsworth County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.7823, -98.41188
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 rating24.4 US tons
Inventory rating14 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length303 ft (92.4 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.2 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 traffic25 (2020)
Projected traffic80 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Smoky Hill River built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is 5th Road 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 March 2024.

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

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

How long is 5th Road over Smoky Hill River?

The structure is 303 ft (92.4 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.2 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns 5th Road over Smoky Hill River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.