US Bridges

K4 HWY over Little Ark River Drg

Good

Rice County, Kansas · 4.07 MI E K14 · Structure no. 999900400800301

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
929
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

K4 HWY over Little Ark River Drg is a concrete culvert carrying K4 HWY over Little Ark River Drg in Rice County, Kansas. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 929 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,026 by 2044. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesK4 HWY
CrossesLittle Ark River Drg
Location4.07 MI E K14
RouteState Highway 4
StateKansas
Coordinates38.52222, -98.12889
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating39 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.1 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic929 (2023)
Projected traffic1,026 by 2044
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 K4 HWY over Little Ark River Drg built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is K4 HWY over Little Ark River Drg in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does K4 HWY over Little Ark River Drg carry?

About 929 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is K4 HWY over Little Ark River Drg?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns K4 HWY over Little Ark River Drg?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.