US Bridges

179th St. (rs 48) over Smoky Hill River

FairPosted for load

Russell County, Kansas · 8.5S 3.0E of Gorham · Structure no. 000000000840110

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
433 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
70
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

179th St. (rs 48) over Smoky Hill River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying 179th St. (rs 48) over Smoky Hill River in Russell County, Kansas. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 70 vehicles a day, projected to reach 80 by 2044. The structure is 433 ft (132 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries179th St. (rs 48)
CrossesSmoky Hill River
Location8.5S 3.0E of Gorham
RouteCounty Highway 48
CountyRussell County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.75841, -98.9666
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating25.2 US tons
Inventory rating15.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length433 ft (132 m)
Longest span93 ft (28.3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70 (2020)
Projected traffic80 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 179th St. (rs 48) over Smoky Hill River built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is 179th St. (rs 48) over Smoky Hill 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does 179th St. (rs 48) over Smoky Hill River carry?

About 70 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is 179th St. (rs 48) over Smoky Hill River?

The structure is 433 ft (132 m) long with a longest span of 93 ft (28.3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns 179th St. (rs 48) over Smoky Hill River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.