US Bridges

K4 HWY over Cow Creek Drainage

Fair

Barton County, Kansas · 13.60 MI E Ejct US281 · Structure no. 999900400050461

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,395
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

K4 HWY over Cow Creek Drainage is a concrete culvert carrying K4 HWY over Cow Creek Drainage in Barton County, Kansas. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 1,395 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,636 by 2044. The structure is 25 ft (7.5 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesK4 HWY
CrossesCow Creek Drainage
Location13.60 MI E Ejct US281
RouteState Highway 4
CountyBarton County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.52222, -98.52722
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.2 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length25 ft (7.5 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width46 ft (13.9 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,395 (2023)
Projected traffic1,636 by 2044
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 K4 HWY over Cow Creek Drainage built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is K4 HWY over Cow Creek Drainage 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does K4 HWY over Cow Creek Drainage carry?

About 1,395 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is K4 HWY over Cow Creek Drainage?

The structure is 25 ft (7.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns K4 HWY over Cow Creek Drainage?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.