US Bridges

US281 HWY over Walnut Creek Drainage

Good

Barton County, Kansas · 3.82 MI N US56/K156/K96 · Structure no. 999928100050171

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,104
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US281 HWY over Walnut Creek Drainage is a concrete culvert carrying US281 HWY over Walnut Creek Drainage in Barton County, Kansas. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 years old, older 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 4,104 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,271 by 2044. The structure is 43 ft (13.2 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS281 HWY
CrossesWalnut Creek Drainage
Location3.82 MI N US56/K156/K96
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateKansas
Coordinates38.41583, -98.77111
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 inspectionOctober 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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating33 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length43 ft (13.2 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,104 (2023)
Projected traffic4,271 by 2044
Trucks11%
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 US281 HWY over Walnut Creek Drainage built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is US281 HWY over Walnut Creek Drainage 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US281 HWY over Walnut Creek Drainage carry?

About 4,104 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US281 HWY over Walnut Creek Drainage?

The structure is 43 ft (13.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US281 HWY over Walnut Creek Drainage?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.