US Bridges

US-281 HWY over Brush Creek

Good

Barber County, Kansas · 10.04 MI N K-2 · Structure no. 999928100040421

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
122 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-281 HWY over Brush Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying US-281 HWY over Brush Creek in Barber County, Kansas. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 years old, younger 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 122 ft (37.3 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 52.8 mi (85 km).

CarriesUS-281 HWY
CrossesBrush Creek
Location10.04 MI N K-2
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateKansas
Coordinates37.16361, -98.57222
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating79 US tons
Inventory rating47 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length122 ft (37.3 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 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 closed52.8 mi (85 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 US-281 HWY over Brush Creek built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-281 HWY over Brush Creek 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 US-281 HWY over Brush Creek carry?

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

How long is US-281 HWY over Brush Creek?

The structure is 122 ft (37.3 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US-281 HWY over Brush Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.