US Bridges

W. 70th Dr. over South Fork Solomon River

FairPosted for load

Osborne County, Kansas · 0.1W of Alton · Structure no. 000710645903729

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
69 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
10
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

W. 70th Dr. over South Fork Solomon River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying W. 70th Dr. over South Fork Solomon River in Osborne County, Kansas. It was built in 1920, so it is 105 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 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 10 by 2043. The structure is 69 ft (20.9 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesW. 70th Dr.
CrossesSouth Fork Solomon River
Location0.1W of Alton
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyOsborne County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.4671, -98.95445
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating9.1 US tons
Inventory rating5.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length69 ft (20.9 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.7 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2020)
Projected traffic10 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$200,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was W. 70th Dr. over South Fork Solomon River built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025.

What condition is W. 70th Dr. over South Fork Solomon 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does W. 70th Dr. over South Fork Solomon River carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is W. 70th Dr. over South Fork Solomon River?

The structure is 69 ft (20.9 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.7 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns W. 70th Dr. over South Fork Solomon River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.