US Bridges

US56 HWY over Pawnee River

Fair

Pawnee County, Kansas · 15.85 MI NE US183 · Structure no. 999905600730031

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
195 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,232
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US56 HWY over Pawnee River is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying US56 HWY over Pawnee River in Pawnee County, Kansas. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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.

It carries about 3,232 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,185 by 2044. The structure is 195 ft (59.3 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS56 HWY
CrossesPawnee River
Location15.85 MI NE US183
RouteU.S. Route 56
CountyPawnee County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.17139, -99.105
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating43.1 US tons
Inventory rating25.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length195 ft (59.3 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.5 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,232 (2023)
Projected traffic4,185 by 2044
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US56 HWY over Pawnee River built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is US56 HWY over 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US56 HWY over Pawnee River carry?

About 3,232 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is US56 HWY over Pawnee River?

The structure is 195 ft (59.3 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.5 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns US56 HWY over Pawnee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.