US Bridges

21st Road over Trib. Smoky Hill River

Fair

Ellsworth County, Kansas · 2.1S 2.3E of Kanopolis · Structure no. 000000000270190

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
70 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
80
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

21st Road over Trib. Smoky Hill River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 21st Road over Trib. Smoky Hill River in Ellsworth County, Kansas. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 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 80 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 96 by 2044. The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries21st Road
CrossesTrib. Smoky Hill River
Location2.1S 2.3E of Kanopolis
RouteCounty Highway 238
CountyEllsworth County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.68164, -98.11006
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating73 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length70 ft (21.3 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.5 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic80 (2020)
Projected traffic96 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 21st Road over Trib. Smoky Hill River built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is 21st 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 21st Road over Trib. Smoky Hill River carry?

About 80 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is 21st Road over Trib. Smoky Hill River?

The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.5 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns 21st Road over Trib. Smoky Hill River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.