US Bridges

US73 US159 HWY over UP Railroad

Fair

Brown County, Kansas · 4.00 MI N Wjct K20 · Structure no. 999907300070091

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
171 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,544
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US73 US159 HWY over UP Railroad is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US73 US159 HWY over UP Railroad in Brown County, Kansas. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 89 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 2,544 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,595 by 2044. The structure is 171 ft (52 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS73 US159 HWY
CrossesUP Railroad
Location4.00 MI N Wjct K20
RouteU.S. Route 73
CountyBrown County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.72528, -95.52694
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating49.7 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length171 ft (52 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,544 (2023)
Projected traffic2,595 by 2044
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 US73 US159 HWY over UP Railroad built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is US73 US159 HWY over UP Railroad 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US73 US159 HWY over UP Railroad carry?

About 2,544 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is US73 US159 HWY over UP Railroad?

The structure is 171 ft (52 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US73 US159 HWY over UP Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.