US Bridges

K15 HWY over Walnut River

FairPosted for load

Cowley County, Kansas · 1.37 MI W Njct US77 · Structure no. 999901500180591

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
484 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,509
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

K15 HWY over Walnut River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying K15 HWY over Walnut River 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 3,509 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,955 by 2044. The structure is 484 ft (147.6 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesK15 HWY
CrossesWalnut River
Location1.37 MI W Njct US77
RouteState Highway 15
CountyCowley County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.39028, -97.03167
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating22.4 US tons
Inventory rating13 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length484 ft (147.6 m)
Longest span120 ft (36.6 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 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 closed6.8 mi (11 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 built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is K15 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does K15 HWY over Walnut River carry?

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

How long is K15 HWY over Walnut River?

The structure is 484 ft (147.6 m) long with a longest span of 120 ft (36.6 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns K15 HWY over Walnut River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.