US Bridges

Ave. U over Arkansas River

FairPosted for load

Rice County, Kansas · 0.9S 2.5W of Alden · Structure no. 000800709205440

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
524 ft
14 main spans
Daily traffic
125
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ave. U over Arkansas River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ave. U over Arkansas River in Rice County, Kansas. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 125 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 150 by 2044. The structure is 524 ft (159.7 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 7.5 mi (12 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAve. U
CrossesArkansas River
Location0.9S 2.5W of Alden
RouteCounty Highway 8002
CountyRice County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.23214, -98.36143
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating34.6 US tons
Inventory rating20.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans14
Design loadHS 15
Structure length524 ft (159.7 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic125 (2021)
Projected traffic150 by 2044
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed7.5 mi (12 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 Ave. U over Arkansas River built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ave. U over Arkansas 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Ave. U over Arkansas River carry?

About 125 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Ave. U over Arkansas River?

The structure is 524 ft (159.7 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Ave. U over Arkansas River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.