US Bridges

Metcalf Ave. over Big Blue River

Fair

Johnson County, Kansas · 0.65 MI S of 167th ST · Structure no. 000000000460420

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 2014
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
206 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,500
2018 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Metcalf Ave. over Big Blue River is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Metcalf Ave. over Big Blue River in Johnson County, Kansas. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 2014, so it is 65 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.

It carries about 4,500 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,500 by 2044. The structure is 206 ft (62.9 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesMetcalf Ave.
CrossesBig Blue River
Location0.65 MI S of 167th ST
RouteCity Street 2242
CountyJohnson County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.81608, -94.66639
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length206 ft (62.9 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.6 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,500 (2018)
Projected traffic5,500 by 2044
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Metcalf Ave. over Big Blue River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2014.

What condition is Metcalf Ave. over Big Blue 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 2024.

How much traffic does Metcalf Ave. over Big Blue River carry?

About 4,500 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Metcalf Ave. over Big Blue River?

The structure is 206 ft (62.9 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.6 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Metcalf Ave. over Big Blue River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.