US Bridges

US81 HWY NB over Republican River

Good

Cloud County, Kansas · 1.28 MI N K9 · Structure no. 999908100150531

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,062 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
4,416
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US81 HWY NB over Republican River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US81 HWY NB over Republican River in Cloud County, Kansas. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 years old, younger than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 4,416 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,832 by 2044. The structure is 1,062 ft (323.7 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesUS81 HWY NB
CrossesRepublican River
Location1.28 MI N K9
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountyCloud County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.58917, -97.65833
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,062 ft (323.7 m)
Longest span160 ft (48.8 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,416 (2023)
Projected traffic5,832 by 2044
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 US81 HWY NB over Republican River built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is US81 HWY NB over Republican River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2025.

How much traffic does US81 HWY NB over Republican River carry?

About 4,416 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is US81 HWY NB over Republican River?

The structure is 1,062 ft (323.7 m) long with a longest span of 160 ft (48.8 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US81 HWY NB over Republican River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.