US Bridges

RD 20 over Trib. to Pawnee River

PoorPosted for load

Ness County, Kansas · 10.0S 2.5W of Bazine · Structure no. 000000000680450

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 2023
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Masonry
Length
35 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
55
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

RD 20 over Trib. to Pawnee River is a masonry culvert carrying RD 20 over Trib. to Pawnee River in Ness County, Kansas. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 2023, so it is 90 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 55 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 100 by 2042. The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRD 20
CrossesTrib. to Pawnee River
Location10.0S 2.5W of Bazine
RouteCounty Highway 325
CountyNess County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.2907, -99.73841
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating14.1 US tons
Inventory rating14.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length35 ft (10.6 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.5 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic55 (2021)
Projected traffic100 by 2042
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$330,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RD 20 over Trib. to Pawnee River built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2023.

What condition is RD 20 over Trib. to Pawnee River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does RD 20 over Trib. to Pawnee River carry?

About 55 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is RD 20 over Trib. to Pawnee River?

The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.5 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns RD 20 over Trib. to Pawnee River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.