US Bridges

US69 Alt HWY over Willow Creek

Fair

Cherokee County, Kansas · 1.21 MI N US166 · Structure no. 9999069A0110021

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
156 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,336
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US69 Alt HWY over Willow Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying US69 Alt HWY over Willow Creek in Cherokee County, Kansas. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 7,336 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,635 by 2044. The structure is 156 ft (47.4 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS69 Alt HWY
CrossesWillow Creek
Location1.21 MI N US166
RouteU.S. Route 69
CountyCherokee County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.04111, -94.73528
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 inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating38.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length156 ft (47.4 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.2 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,336 (2023)
Projected traffic7,635 by 2044
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 US69 Alt HWY over Willow Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is US69 Alt HWY over Willow Creek 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does US69 Alt HWY over Willow Creek carry?

About 7,336 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US69 Alt HWY over Willow Creek?

The structure is 156 ft (47.4 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US69 Alt HWY over Willow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.