US Bridges

K15 HWY over Walnut River Drainage

Fair

Cowley County, Kansas · 0.95 MI W Njct US77 · Structure no. 999901500180581

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
182 ft
5 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 slab carrying K15 HWY over Walnut River Drainage in Cowley County, Kansas. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 182 ft (55.6 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesK15 HWY
CrossesWalnut River Drainage
Location0.95 MI W Njct US77
RouteState Highway 15
CountyCowley County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.39, -97.02389
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length182 ft (55.6 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 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 closed6.2 mi (10 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 1953, making it 72 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 182 ft (55.6 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns K15 HWY over Walnut River Drainage?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.