US Bridges

Old HWY 40 over Trib to Smoky Hill River

Fair

Ellsworth County, Kansas · 0.7N 2.4W of Ellsworth · Structure no. 000000000270650

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
770
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old HWY 40 over Trib to Smoky Hill River is a concrete culvert carrying Old HWY 40 over Trib to 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 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.

It carries about 770 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 925 by 2044. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld HWY 40
CrossesTrib to Smoky Hill River
Location0.7N 2.4W of Ellsworth
RouteCounty Highway 2020
CountyEllsworth County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.74073, -98.2783
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.2 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic770 (2020)
Projected traffic925 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 River built?

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

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

About 770 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

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

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m).

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

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.