US Bridges

US281 HWY over Cheyenne Bottoms Drg.

Good

Barton County, Kansas · 8.96 MI N US56/K156/K96 · Structure no. 999928100050951

Built
2004
21 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
101 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,930
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US281 HWY over Cheyenne Bottoms Drg. is a concrete continuous slab carrying US281 HWY over Cheyenne Bottoms Drg. in Barton County, Kansas. It was built in 2004, so it is 21 years old, younger 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 5,930 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,172 by 2044. The structure is 101 ft (30.8 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesUS281 HWY
CrossesCheyenne Bottoms Drg.
Location8.96 MI N US56/K156/K96
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateKansas
Coordinates38.49, -98.77472
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79 US tons
Inventory rating47 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length101 ft (30.8 m)
Longest span39 ft (12 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,930 (2023)
Projected traffic6,172 by 2044
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Cheyenne Bottoms Drg. built?

It was built in 2004, making it 21 years old in 2025.

What condition is US281 HWY over Cheyenne Bottoms Drg. 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 Cheyenne Bottoms Drg. carry?

About 5,930 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US281 HWY over Cheyenne Bottoms Drg.?

The structure is 101 ft (30.8 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (12 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US281 HWY over Cheyenne Bottoms Drg.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.