US Bridges

US56 HWY over Little Arkansas Riv Ovfl

Fair

Rice County, Kansas · 1.23 MI E K46 · Structure no. 999905600800131

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1956
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
35 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,191
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US56 HWY over Little Arkansas Riv Ovfl is a concrete culvert carrying US56 HWY over Little Arkansas Riv Ovfl in Rice County, Kansas. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1956, so it is 96 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.

It carries about 3,191 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,742 by 2044. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS56 HWY
CrossesLittle Arkansas Riv Ovfl
Location1.23 MI E K46
RouteU.S. Route 56
CountyRice County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.37667, -97.99389
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable 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 rating64 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width59 ft (18 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,191 (2023)
Projected traffic3,742 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 Little Arkansas Riv Ovfl built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1956.

What condition is US56 HWY over Little Arkansas Riv Ovfl 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US56 HWY over Little Arkansas Riv Ovfl carry?

About 3,191 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is US56 HWY over Little Arkansas Riv Ovfl?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns US56 HWY over Little Arkansas Riv Ovfl?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.