We will close a bridge if we have any
concerns about the safety of the traveling public.
Structurally Deficient
A bridge that is inadequate to carry today’s legal
loads, whether by obsolete design standards, structural
deterioration or waterway inadequacy. It is possible
to have a structurally deficient bridge that is safe
to use, particularly when the rating is due to the design
type. For example, if a bridge was designed in the 1920s
when a 5-ton load was considered a big load, it could
still be on the state highway system and be in good
condition. Since it was built before today’s heavier
loads, we would post a weight limit on the bridge. KDOT’s
standards of what is structurally deficient exceed the
federal standards.
Of the nearly 5,000 bridges on the state highway
system, 104 (about 2 percent) are structurally deficient
(July 2007).
To determine if a bridge is structurally deficient,
the engineers’ evaluation includes the bridge
deck, superstructure, substructure, culverts and retaining
walls, and overall structural condition.
We will watch structurally deficient bridges more
closely, recognizing that we may need to repair, rehabilitate,
or replace them at some time in the future.
Functionally Obsolete
A bridge not built to today’s engineering criteria
that is inadequate to accommodate traffic because
it is narrow, the clearance beneath it is inadequate,
the approaching roadway alignment is deficient, its
structural condition, or waterway adequacy. Most functionally
obsolete bridges are narrower than today’s newer
bridges.
Of the nearly 5,000 bridges on the state highway
system, 437 (about 8.75 percent) are functionally
obsolete (July 2007).
To determine if a bridge is functionally obsolete,
the engineers’ evaluation includes the deck
geometry (width and alignment), clearances beneath
the bridge, and the alignment of the approach roadway.
"...to provide a statewide transportation system to meet the needs of Kansas."
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