US Bridges

K96 HWY over Walnut Creek Drainage

Poor

Barton County, Kansas · 0.37 MI E Rush Coln · Structure no. 999909600050481

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 1964
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
113 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,949
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

K96 HWY over Walnut Creek Drainage is a concrete tee beam carrying K96 HWY over Walnut Creek Drainage in Barton County, Kansas. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 1964, so it is 84 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,949 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,153 by 2044. The structure is 113 ft (34.3 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesK96 HWY
CrossesWalnut Creek Drainage
Location0.37 MI E Rush Coln
RouteState Highway 96
CountyBarton County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.45861, -99.02611
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating38.9 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length113 ft (34.3 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,949 (2023)
Projected traffic2,153 by 2044
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 K96 HWY over Walnut Creek Drainage built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1964.

What condition is K96 HWY over Walnut Creek Drainage in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

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

About 1,949 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is K96 HWY over Walnut Creek Drainage?

The structure is 113 ft (34.3 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns K96 HWY over Walnut Creek Drainage?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.