US Bridges

US73 US159 HWY over UP Railroad

Fair

Brown County, Kansas · 11.39 MI N Wjct K20 · Structure no. 999907300070121

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

About this bridge

US73 US159 HWY over UP Railroad is a concrete continuous slab carrying US73 US159 HWY over UP Railroad 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 143 ft (43.6 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS73 US159 HWY
CrossesUP Railroad
Location11.39 MI N Wjct K20
RouteU.S. Route 73
CountyBrown County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.83222, -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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length143 ft (43.6 m)
Longest span56 ft (17.1 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
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 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 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

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

How long is US73 US159 HWY over UP Railroad?

The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17.1 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US73 US159 HWY over UP Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.