US Bridges

K-2 HWY over Little Mule Creek

Fair

Barber County, Kansas · 1.81 MI E US281 · Structure no. 999900200040301

Built
1942
83 years old, rebuilt 2019
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
255 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
995
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

K-2 HWY over Little Mule Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying K-2 HWY over Little Mule Creek in Barber County, Kansas. It was built in 1942 and reconstructed in 2019, so it is 83 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 995 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,167 by 2044. The structure is 255 ft (77.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesK-2 HWY
CrossesLittle Mule Creek
Location1.81 MI E US281
RouteState Highway 2
CountyBarber County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.02111, -98.53611
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating51.9 US tons
Inventory rating31.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length255 ft (77.6 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic995 (2023)
Projected traffic1,167 by 2044
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 K-2 HWY over Little Mule Creek built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2019.

What condition is K-2 HWY over Little Mule Creek 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 K-2 HWY over Little Mule Creek carry?

About 995 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is K-2 HWY over Little Mule Creek?

The structure is 255 ft (77.6 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns K-2 HWY over Little Mule Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.