US Bridges

US73 US159 HWY over Wolf River

Fair

Brown County, Kansas · 8.65 MI N Wjct K20 · Structure no. 999907300070101

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
173 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,619
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US73 US159 HWY over Wolf River is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying US73 US159 HWY over Wolf River in Brown County, Kansas. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 2,619 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,726 by 2044. The structure is 173 ft (52.6 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS73 US159 HWY
CrossesWolf River
Location8.65 MI N Wjct K20
RouteU.S. Route 73
CountyBrown County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.7925, -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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating54.3 US tons
Inventory rating32.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length173 ft (52.6 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,619 (2023)
Projected traffic2,726 by 2044
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 Wolf River built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is US73 US159 HWY over Wolf 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US73 US159 HWY over Wolf River carry?

About 2,619 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US73 US159 HWY over Wolf River?

The structure is 173 ft (52.6 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US73 US159 HWY over Wolf River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.