US Bridges

Saddle Side RD over Trib. to Arkansas River

FairPosted for load

Ford County, Kansas · 3.5E of Ford · Structure no. 000290561906245

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
33 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Saddle Side RD over Trib. to Arkansas River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Saddle Side RD over Trib. to Arkansas River in Ford County, Kansas. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 60 by 2043. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSaddle Side RD
CrossesTrib. to Arkansas River
Location3.5E of Ford
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyFord County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.63853, -99.68617
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating26.9 US tons
Inventory rating16.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2018)
Projected traffic60 by 2043
Trucks5%
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 Saddle Side RD over Trib. to Arkansas River built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is Saddle Side RD over Trib. to Arkansas 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does Saddle Side RD over Trib. to Arkansas River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Saddle Side RD over Trib. to Arkansas River?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Saddle Side RD over Trib. to Arkansas River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.