US Bridges

RD 70 over Trib. to Pawnee River

FairPosted for load

Ness County, Kansas · 6.0S 1.0E of Ness City · Structure no. 000000000680390

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
45
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

RD 70 over Trib. to Pawnee River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RD 70 over Trib. to Pawnee River in Ness County, Kansas. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 5 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, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 55 by 2041. The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRD 70
CrossesTrib. to Pawnee River
Location6.0S 1.0E of Ness City
RouteCounty Highway 323
CountyNess County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.36364, -99.88178
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating21.1 US tons
Inventory rating12.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length23 ft (6.9 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45 (2018)
Projected traffic55 by 2041
Trucks10%
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

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 70 over Trib. to Pawnee River built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is RD 70 over Trib. to Pawnee 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does RD 70 over Trib. to Pawnee River carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is RD 70 over Trib. to Pawnee River?

The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns RD 70 over Trib. to Pawnee River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.