US Bridges

K15 HWY over Walnut River Drainage

Fair

Cowley County, Kansas · 0.28 MI W Njct US77 · Structure no. 999901500180571

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,509
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

K15 HWY over Walnut River Drainage is a concrete culvert carrying K15 HWY over Walnut River Drainage in Cowley County, Kansas. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 3,509 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,955 by 2044. The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesK15 HWY
CrossesWalnut River Drainage
Location0.28 MI W Njct US77
RouteState Highway 15
CountyCowley County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.39, -97.01139
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating33.4 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length29 ft (8.7 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,509 (2023)
Projected traffic3,955 by 2044
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 K15 HWY over Walnut River Drainage built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is K15 HWY over Walnut River Drainage 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 2023.

How much traffic does K15 HWY over Walnut River Drainage carry?

About 3,509 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is K15 HWY over Walnut River Drainage?

The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns K15 HWY over Walnut River Drainage?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.