US Bridges

Ave J over Trib. to Smoky Hill Riv.

GoodPosted for load

Ellsworth County, Kansas · 2.0E of Ellsworth · Structure no. 000270727704745

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ave J over Trib. to Smoky Hill Riv. is a concrete culvert carrying Ave J over Trib. to Smoky Hill Riv. in Ellsworth County, Kansas. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 40 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 45 by 2044. The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesAve J
CrossesTrib. to Smoky Hill Riv.
Location2.0E of Ellsworth
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateKansas
Coordinates38.73273, -98.19375
Functional classRural Local

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating12 US tons
Inventory rating12 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (6.9 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2020)
Projected traffic45 by 2044
Trucks5%
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 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 Ave J over Trib. to Smoky Hill Riv. built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ave J over Trib. to Smoky Hill Riv. 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 Ave J over Trib. to Smoky Hill Riv. carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Ave J over Trib. to Smoky Hill Riv.?

The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Ave J over Trib. to Smoky Hill Riv.?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.