US Bridges

72 Road (rs 278) over Smoky Hill River

FairPosted for load

Gove County, Kansas · 20.7S of Quinter · Structure no. 000000000320230

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
339 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
45
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

72 Road (rs 278) over Smoky Hill River is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying 72 Road (rs 278) over Smoky Hill River in Gove County, Kansas. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 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 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 45 vehicles a day, projected to reach 55 by 2044. The structure is 339 ft (103.2 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries72 Road (rs 278)
CrossesSmoky Hill River
Location20.7S of Quinter
RouteCounty Highway 278
CountyGove County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.7694, -100.24494
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating28.2 US tons
Inventory rating16.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length339 ft (103.2 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.2 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45 (2020)
Projected traffic55 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 72 Road (rs 278) over Smoky Hill River built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is 72 Road (rs 278) 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does 72 Road (rs 278) over Smoky Hill River carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is 72 Road (rs 278) over Smoky Hill River?

The structure is 339 ft (103.2 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.2 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns 72 Road (rs 278) over Smoky Hill River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.