US Bridges

29th Road over Trib. Smoky Hill River

FairPosted for load

Ellsworth County, Kansas · N. Edge of Langley · Structure no. 000000000270480

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
45
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

29th Road over Trib. Smoky Hill River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 29th Road over Trib. Smoky Hill River in Ellsworth County, Kansas. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 45 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 55 by 2044. The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries29th Road
CrossesTrib. Smoky Hill River
LocationN. Edge of Langley
RouteCounty Highway 1003
CountyEllsworth County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.55015, -97.96166
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating9.6 US tons
Inventory rating5.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length29 ft (8.7 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.1 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45 (2020)
Projected traffic55 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 29th Road over Trib. Smoky Hill River built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is 29th 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 29th Road over Trib. Smoky Hill River carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is 29th Road over Trib. Smoky Hill River?

The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.1 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns 29th Road over Trib. Smoky Hill River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.