US Bridges

US281 HWY over Walnut Creek

Fair

Barton County, Kansas · 4.14 MI N US56/K156/K96 · Structure no. 999928100050181

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
202 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
4,104
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US281 HWY over Walnut Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying US281 HWY over Walnut Creek 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 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 4,104 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,271 by 2044. The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS281 HWY
CrossesWalnut Creek
Location4.14 MI N US56/K156/K96
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyBarton County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.42028, -98.77194
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating55.2 US tons
Inventory rating33.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length202 ft (61.6 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 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 built?

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

What condition is US281 HWY over Walnut Creek 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 US281 HWY over Walnut Creek carry?

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

How long is US281 HWY over Walnut Creek?

The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns US281 HWY over Walnut Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.