US Bridges

US56 K96 HWY over Arkansas River Drainage

Fair

Barton County, Kansas · 0.57 MI E K156 · Structure no. 999905600050041

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
4,536
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US56 K96 HWY over Arkansas River Drainage is a concrete culvert carrying US56 K96 HWY over Arkansas River Drainage in Barton County, Kansas. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 94 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 4,536 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,628 by 2044. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 46 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS56 K96 HWY
CrossesArkansas River Drainage
Location0.57 MI E K156
RouteU.S. Route 56
CountyBarton County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.36472, -98.685
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionNovember 2024
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,536 (2023)
Projected traffic4,628 by 2044
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US56 K96 HWY over Arkansas River Drainage built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is US56 K96 HWY over Arkansas River 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US56 K96 HWY over Arkansas River Drainage carry?

About 4,536 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US56 K96 HWY over Arkansas River Drainage?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US56 K96 HWY over Arkansas River Drainage?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.