US Bridges

K14 HWY over Smoky Hill River

Fair

Ellsworth County, Kansas · 1.040MI N US156 · Structure no. 999901400270601

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
378 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,809
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

K14 HWY over Smoky Hill River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying K14 HWY over Smoky Hill River in Ellsworth County, Kansas. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 years old, younger 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 1,809 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,809 by 2044. The structure is 378 ft (115.1 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesK14 HWY
CrossesSmoky Hill River
Location1.040MI N US156
RouteState Highway 14
CountyEllsworth County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.72667, -98.23361
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating51.1 US tons
Inventory rating30.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length378 ft (115.1 m)
Longest span107 ft (32.6 m)
Deck width52 ft (16 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,809 (2023)
Projected traffic1,809 by 2044
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was K14 HWY over Smoky Hill River built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is K14 HWY over 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does K14 HWY over Smoky Hill River carry?

About 1,809 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is K14 HWY over Smoky Hill River?

The structure is 378 ft (115.1 m) long with a longest span of 107 ft (32.6 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns K14 HWY over Smoky Hill River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.