US Bridges

K4 HWY over Smoky Hill River

Fair

Saline County, Kansas · 2.24 MI E K104 · Structure no. 999900400851441

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
304 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,141
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

K4 HWY over Smoky Hill River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying K4 HWY over Smoky Hill River in Saline County, Kansas. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger 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 1,141 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,392 by 2044. The structure is 304 ft (92.6 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesK4 HWY
CrossesSmoky Hill River
Location2.24 MI E K104
RouteState Highway 4
CountySaline County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.71111, -97.57083
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating74 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length304 ft (92.6 m)
Longest span120 ft (36.6 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,141 (2023)
Projected traffic1,392 by 2044
Trucks9%
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

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 Smoky Hill River built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is K4 HWY 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does K4 HWY over Smoky Hill River carry?

About 1,141 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is K4 HWY over Smoky Hill River?

The structure is 304 ft (92.6 m) long with a longest span of 120 ft (36.6 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns K4 HWY over Smoky Hill River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.