US Bridges

Old HWY 40 over Trib. to Smoky Hill Riv.

Fair

Ellsworth County, Kansas · 0.2E of Black Wolf · Structure no. 000000000270630

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
655
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old HWY 40 over Trib. to Smoky Hill Riv. is a concrete culvert carrying Old HWY 40 over Trib. to Smoky Hill Riv. 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 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 655 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 785 by 2044. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld HWY 40
CrossesTrib. to Smoky Hill Riv.
Location0.2E of Black Wolf
RouteCounty Highway 2020
CountyEllsworth County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.75964, -98.35634
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length21 ft (6.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic655 (2020)
Projected traffic785 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 Old HWY 40 over Trib. to Smoky Hill Riv. built?

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

What condition is Old HWY 40 over Trib. to Smoky Hill Riv. 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 Old HWY 40 over Trib. to Smoky Hill Riv. carry?

About 655 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

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

The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Old HWY 40 over Trib. to Smoky Hill Riv.?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.