US Bridges

US-281 HWY over Little Driftwood Creek

Good

Barber County, Kansas · 5.06 MI NE Okla State LN · Structure no. 999928100040451

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
37 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
770
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-281 HWY over Little Driftwood Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US-281 HWY over Little Driftwood Creek in Barber County, Kansas. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 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 770 vehicles a day, roughly 35% of them trucks, projected to reach 997 by 2044. The structure is 37 ft (11.4 m) long and 97 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS-281 HWY
CrossesLittle Driftwood Creek
Location5.06 MI NE Okla State LN
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateKansas
Coordinates37.01389, -98.57667
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 evaluation7: Better than 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 rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating97 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length37 ft (11.4 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width97 ft (29.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic770 (2023)
Projected traffic997 by 2044
Trucks35%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Little Driftwood Creek built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-281 HWY over Little Driftwood 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 Little Driftwood Creek carry?

About 770 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 35% are trucks.

How long is US-281 HWY over Little Driftwood Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.4 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 97 ft wide.

Who owns US-281 HWY over Little Driftwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.