US Bridges

US56 HWY K96 HWY over Walnut Creek

Good

Barton County, Kansas · 2.13 MI E US281 Alt · Structure no. 999905600050781

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
173 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,716
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US56 HWY K96 HWY over Walnut Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US56 HWY K96 HWY over Walnut Creek in Barton County, Kansas. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 7,716 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,525 by 2044. The structure is 173 ft (52.6 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS56 HWY K96 HWY
CrossesWalnut Creek
Location2.13 MI E US281 Alt
RouteU.S. Route 56
StateKansas
Coordinates38.365, -98.7125
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71.2 US tons
Inventory rating42.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length173 ft (52.6 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,716 (2023)
Projected traffic8,525 by 2044
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
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 HWY K96 HWY over Walnut Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is US56 HWY K96 HWY over Walnut 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US56 HWY K96 HWY over Walnut Creek carry?

About 7,716 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is US56 HWY K96 HWY over Walnut Creek?

The structure is 173 ft (52.6 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US56 HWY K96 HWY over Walnut Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.