US Bridges

K-2 HWY over Medicine River

Fair

Barber County, Kansas · 2.11 MI NE K8 · Structure no. 999900200040311

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 2006
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
727 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
349
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

K-2 HWY over Medicine River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying K-2 HWY over Medicine River in Barber County, Kansas. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 2006, so it is 89 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 349 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 409 by 2044. The structure is 727 ft (221.5 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesK-2 HWY
CrossesMedicine River
Location2.11 MI NE K8
RouteState Highway 2
CountyBarber County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.03917, -98.46944
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating69 US tons
Inventory rating41.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3 (+3 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length727 ft (221.5 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 traffic349 (2023)
Projected traffic409 by 2044
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 Medicine River built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2006.

What condition is K-2 HWY over Medicine 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does K-2 HWY over Medicine River carry?

About 349 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is K-2 HWY over Medicine River?

The structure is 727 ft (221.5 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.1 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns K-2 HWY over Medicine River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.