US Bridges

I70 HWY Wl-El over S Fork Solomon River

Poor

Thomas County, Kansas · 9.94MI SE Jt K25 · Structure no. 999907000970271

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
124 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
6,400
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I70 HWY Wl-El over S Fork Solomon River is a concrete culvert carrying I70 HWY Wl-El over S Fork Solomon River in Thomas County, Kansas. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 6,400 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,965 by 2044. The structure is 124 ft (37.8 m) long and 130 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI70 HWY Wl-El
CrossesS Fork Solomon River
Location9.94MI SE Jt K25
RouteInterstate 70
CountyThomas County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.26611, -100.93167
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating69 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length124 ft (37.8 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width130 ft (39.5 m)
Roadway width80 ft (24.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,400 (2023)
Projected traffic7,965 by 2044
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I70 HWY Wl-El over S Fork Solomon River built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is I70 HWY Wl-El over S Fork Solomon River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does I70 HWY Wl-El over S Fork Solomon River carry?

About 6,400 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is I70 HWY Wl-El over S Fork Solomon River?

The structure is 124 ft (37.8 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 130 ft wide.

Who owns I70 HWY Wl-El over S Fork Solomon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.