US Bridges

US281 HWY over Blood Creek

Good

Barton County, Kansas · 9.83 MI N US56/K156/K96 · Structure no. 999928100050971

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

About this bridge

US281 HWY over Blood Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US281 HWY over Blood Creek 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 61 ft (18.7 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS281 HWY
CrossesBlood Creek
Location9.83 MI N US56/K156/K96
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyBarton County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.50222, -98.77722
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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating82 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length61 ft (18.7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 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 closed1.2 mi (2 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 Blood Creek built?

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

What condition is US281 HWY over Blood 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 Blood Creek carry?

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

How long is US281 HWY over Blood Creek?

The structure is 61 ft (18.7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US281 HWY over Blood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.