US Bridges

US281 HWY over Sellens Creek

Good

Barton County, Kansas · 6.83 MI N Wjct K4 · Structure no. 999928100050281

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,652
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US281 HWY over Sellens Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US281 HWY over Sellens Creek in Barton County, Kansas. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 90 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 1,652 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,225 by 2044. The structure is 43 ft (13.2 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS281 HWY
CrossesSellens Creek
Location6.83 MI N Wjct K4
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateKansas
Coordinates38.635, -98.84889
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length43 ft (13.2 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width56 ft (17.2 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,652 (2023)
Projected traffic2,225 by 2044
Trucks24%
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 Sellens Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.

What condition is US281 HWY over Sellens 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US281 HWY over Sellens Creek carry?

About 1,652 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is US281 HWY over Sellens Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns US281 HWY over Sellens Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.