US Bridges

RD J over S. Fork Guzzlers Gulch

FairPosted for load

Ness County, Kansas · 10.0S of Laird · Structure no. 000000000680100

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
42 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

RD J over S. Fork Guzzlers Gulch is a concrete culvert carrying RD J over S. Fork Guzzlers Gulch in Ness County, Kansas. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 40 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 55 by 2041. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRD J
CrossesS. Fork Guzzlers Gulch
Location10.0S of Laird
RouteCounty Highway 280
CountyNess County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.30444, -100.06266
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36.6 US tons
Inventory rating27.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2018)
Projected traffic55 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 RD J over S. Fork Guzzlers Gulch built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is RD J over S. Fork Guzzlers Gulch 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does RD J over S. Fork Guzzlers Gulch carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is RD J over S. Fork Guzzlers Gulch?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns RD J over S. Fork Guzzlers Gulch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.