US Bridges

US54 HWY over Walnut River

Fair

Butler County, Kansas · 9.04 MI N U-400 E JCT · Structure no. 999905400081511

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
311 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
3,377
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US54 HWY over Walnut River is a concrete continuous slab carrying US54 HWY over Walnut River in Butler County, Kansas. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 years old, younger 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 3,377 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,445 by 2044. The structure is 311 ft (94.9 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS54 HWY
CrossesWalnut River
Location9.04 MI N U-400 E JCT
RouteU.S. Route 54
CountyButler County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.80861, -96.84972
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating63.1 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length311 ft (94.9 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 traffic3,377 (2023)
Projected traffic3,445 by 2044
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US54 HWY over Walnut River built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is US54 HWY over Walnut 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does US54 HWY over Walnut River carry?

About 3,377 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is US54 HWY over Walnut River?

The structure is 311 ft (94.9 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17.1 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US54 HWY over Walnut River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.