US Bridges

US 281 HWY over Arkansas River

Fair

Barton County, Kansas · 0.65 MI S US56 · Structure no. 999928100050711

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
818 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,053
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 HWY over Arkansas River is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying US 281 HWY over Arkansas River in Barton County, Kansas. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 years old, younger 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 6,053 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,175 by 2044. The structure is 818 ft (249.4 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281 HWY
CrossesArkansas River
Location0.65 MI S US56
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyBarton County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.35194, -98.765
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating42.8 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length818 ft (249.4 m)
Longest span71 ft (21.6 m)
Deck width66 ft (20.1 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,053 (2023)
Projected traffic6,175 by 2044
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 US 281 HWY over Arkansas River built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 HWY over Arkansas River 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 HWY over Arkansas River carry?

About 6,053 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 281 HWY over Arkansas River?

The structure is 818 ft (249.4 m) long with a longest span of 71 ft (21.6 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 HWY over Arkansas River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.