US Bridges

K68 HWY over Blue Creek

Good

Franklin County, Kansas · 6.83 MI E Osage Coln · Structure no. 999906800300691

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,190
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

K68 HWY over Blue Creek is a concrete culvert carrying K68 HWY over Blue Creek in Franklin County, Kansas. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 years old, older 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 4,190 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,319 by 2044. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesK68 HWY
CrossesBlue Creek
Location6.83 MI E Osage Coln
RouteState Highway 68
CountyFranklin County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.60833, -95.38278
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length21 ft (6.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,190 (2023)
Projected traffic5,319 by 2044
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 K68 HWY over Blue Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is K68 HWY over Blue Creek 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does K68 HWY over Blue Creek carry?

About 4,190 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is K68 HWY over Blue Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns K68 HWY over Blue Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.