US Bridges

I70 HWY Wl-El over S Fork Saline River

Fair

Thomas County, Kansas · 3.74 MI SE US83 · Structure no. 999907000970321

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
145 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
5,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I70 HWY Wl-El over S Fork Saline River is a concrete culvert carrying I70 HWY Wl-El over S Fork Saline River in Thomas County, Kansas. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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.

It carries about 5,600 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,109 by 2044. The structure is 145 ft (44.1 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 Saline River
Location3.74 MI SE US83
RouteInterstate 70
CountyThomas County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.14444, -100.83056
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.2 US tons
Inventory rating41 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 20
Structure length145 ft (44.1 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 traffic5,600 (2023)
Projected traffic7,109 by 2044
Trucks28%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
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 Saline River built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is I70 HWY Wl-El over S Fork Saline 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 I70 HWY Wl-El over S Fork Saline River carry?

About 5,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

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

The structure is 145 ft (44.1 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 Saline River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.