US Bridges

US77 HWY over Arkansas River

Fair

Cowley County, Kansas · 2.98 MI N Okla State Line · Structure no. 999907700180011

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
954 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
3,602
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US77 HWY over Arkansas River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US77 HWY over Arkansas River in Cowley 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 5 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 3,602 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,395 by 2044. The structure is 954 ft (290.7 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS77 HWY
CrossesArkansas River
Location2.98 MI N Okla State Line
RouteU.S. Route 77
CountyCowley County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.03833, -97.03917
Functional classUrban 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadH 20
Structure length954 ft (290.7 m)
Longest span125 ft (38.1 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.3 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,602 (2023)
Projected traffic4,395 by 2044
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 US77 HWY over Arkansas River built?

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

What condition is US77 HWY over Arkansas 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US77 HWY over Arkansas River carry?

About 3,602 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US77 HWY over Arkansas River?

The structure is 954 ft (290.7 m) long with a longest span of 125 ft (38.1 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns US77 HWY over Arkansas River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.