US Bridges

US183 HWY over Medicine River

Fair

Kiowa County, Kansas · 7.06 MI N Comanche Coln · Structure no. 999918300490131

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
945
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US183 HWY over Medicine River is a concrete culvert carrying US183 HWY over Medicine River in Kiowa County, Kansas. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 945 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 964 by 2044. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS183 HWY
CrossesMedicine River
Location7.06 MI N Comanche Coln
RouteU.S. Route 183
CountyKiowa County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.48361, -99.32
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.8 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic945 (2023)
Projected traffic964 by 2044
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 US183 HWY over Medicine River built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is US183 HWY over Medicine 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US183 HWY over Medicine River carry?

About 945 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is US183 HWY over Medicine River?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns US183 HWY over Medicine River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.