US Bridges

US-56 HWY over Arkansas River

Good

Ford County, Kansas · 2.6 MI NE of 56/283 Sjct · Structure no. 999905600290641

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
959 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
7,133
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-56 HWY over Arkansas River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-56 HWY over Arkansas River in Ford County, Kansas. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 7,133 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,704 by 2044. The structure is 959 ft (292.2 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS-56 HWY
CrossesArkansas River
Location2.6 MI NE of 56/283 Sjct
RouteU.S. Route 56
StateKansas
Coordinates37.73389, -99.97917
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating53.7 US tons
Inventory rating32.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans10
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length959 ft (292.2 m)
Longest span98 ft (29.9 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,133 (2023)
Projected traffic8,704 by 2044
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US-56 HWY over Arkansas River built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-56 HWY over Arkansas River 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US-56 HWY over Arkansas River carry?

About 7,133 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is US-56 HWY over Arkansas River?

The structure is 959 ft (292.2 m) long with a longest span of 98 ft (29.9 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US-56 HWY over Arkansas River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.