US Bridges

K44 HWY over Chikaskia River

Fair

Sumner County, Kansas · 0.19 Miles W K-49 · Structure no. 999904400960941

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 2021
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
437 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
436
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

K44 HWY over Chikaskia River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying K44 HWY over Chikaskia River in Sumner County, Kansas. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 2021, so it is 92 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 436 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 491 by 2044. The structure is 437 ft (133.1 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesK44 HWY
CrossesChikaskia River
Location0.19 Miles W K-49
RouteState Highway 44
CountySumner County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.15583, -97.59639
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Operating rating63.1 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length437 ft (133.1 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.1 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic436 (2023)
Projected traffic491 by 2044
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 K44 HWY over Chikaskia River built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2021.

What condition is K44 HWY over Chikaskia 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does K44 HWY over Chikaskia River carry?

About 436 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is K44 HWY over Chikaskia River?

The structure is 437 ft (133.1 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.1 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns K44 HWY over Chikaskia River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.