US Bridges

US281 HWY over Medicine River Drainage

Good

Barber County, Kansas · 11.48 MI N K2 · Structure no. 999928100040241

Built
1952
73 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
62 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US281 HWY over Medicine River Drainage is a concrete culvert carrying US281 HWY over Medicine River Drainage in Barber County, Kansas. It was built in 1952 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 73 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 1,200 vehicles a day, roughly 32% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,380 by 2044. The structure is 62 ft (18.8 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS281 HWY
CrossesMedicine River Drainage
Location11.48 MI N K2
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyBarber County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.18333, -98.5775
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating38 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length62 ft (18.8 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width62 ft (18.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,200 (2023)
Projected traffic1,380 by 2044
Trucks32%
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 US281 HWY over Medicine River Drainage built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is US281 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 US281 HWY over Medicine River Drainage carry?

About 1,200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 32% are trucks.

How long is US281 HWY over Medicine River Drainage?

The structure is 62 ft (18.8 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns US281 HWY over Medicine River Drainage?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.