US Bridges

Old HWY 40 over Trib. Smoky Hill River

Good

Ellsworth County, Kansas · 2.9S 4.6E of Wilson · Structure no. 000000000270610

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
580
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old HWY 40 over Trib. Smoky Hill River is a concrete culvert carrying Old HWY 40 over Trib. Smoky Hill River in Ellsworth County, Kansas. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 580 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 695 by 2044. The structure is 27 ft (8.3 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesOld HWY 40
CrossesTrib. Smoky Hill River
Location2.9S 4.6E of Wilson
RouteCounty Highway 2020
StateKansas
Coordinates38.78413, -98.38644
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.8 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length27 ft (8.3 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.5 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic580 (2020)
Projected traffic695 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 Old HWY 40 over Trib. Smoky Hill River built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old HWY 40 over Trib. Smoky Hill River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does Old HWY 40 over Trib. Smoky Hill River carry?

About 580 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Old HWY 40 over Trib. Smoky Hill River?

The structure is 27 ft (8.3 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.5 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Old HWY 40 over Trib. Smoky Hill River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.