US Bridges

US160 HWY over Medicine River Drainage

Good

Barber County, Kansas · 6.45 MI W Wjct US281 · Structure no. 999916000040051

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
677
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US160 HWY over Medicine River Drainage is a concrete culvert carrying US160 HWY over Medicine River Drainage in Barber County, Kansas. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 677 vehicles a day, roughly 38% of them trucks, projected to reach 794 by 2044. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS160 HWY
CrossesMedicine River Drainage
Location6.45 MI W Wjct US281
RouteU.S. Route 160
CountyBarber County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.27528, -98.715
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating88 US tons
Inventory rating53 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic677 (2023)
Projected traffic794 by 2044
Trucks38%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 US160 HWY over Medicine River Drainage built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is US160 HWY over Medicine River Drainage in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does US160 HWY over Medicine River Drainage carry?

About 677 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 38% are trucks.

How long is US160 HWY over Medicine River Drainage?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US160 HWY over Medicine River Drainage?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.