US Bridges

72 Road (rs 278) over Trib. Smoky Hill River

FairPosted for load

Gove County, Kansas · 17.0S of Quinter · Structure no. 000000000320240

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

72 Road (rs 278) over Trib. Smoky Hill River is a concrete culvert carrying 72 Road (rs 278) over Trib. Smoky Hill River in Gove County, Kansas. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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, projected to reach 60 by 2044. The structure is 25 ft (7.5 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries72 Road (rs 278)
CrossesTrib. Smoky Hill River
Location17.0S of Quinter
RouteCounty Highway 278
CountyGove County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.82269, -100.24428
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 rating34 US tons
Inventory rating20.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length25 ft (7.5 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 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 traffic50 (2020)
Projected traffic60 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 72 Road (rs 278) over Trib. Smoky Hill River built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is 72 Road (rs 278) over Trib. 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 Trib. Smoky Hill River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2020 count).

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

The structure is 25 ft (7.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

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

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.