US Bridges

K-44 HWY over Bluff Creek Drainage

Good

Harper County, Kansas · .85 MI E K-179/K-44 JCT · Structure no. 999904400390591

Built
2004
21 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
805
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

K-44 HWY over Bluff Creek Drainage is a concrete culvert carrying K-44 HWY over Bluff Creek Drainage in Harper County, Kansas. It was built in 2004, so it is 21 years old, younger 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 805 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 907 by 2044. The structure is 43 ft (13.2 m) long and 73 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesK-44 HWY
CrossesBluff Creek Drainage
Location.85 MI E K-179/K-44 JCT
RouteState Highway 44
CountyHarper County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.15222, -98.01417
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating85 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length43 ft (13.2 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width73 ft (22.4 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic805 (2023)
Projected traffic907 by 2044
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 K-44 HWY over Bluff Creek Drainage built?

It was built in 2004, making it 21 years old in 2025.

What condition is K-44 HWY over Bluff Creek Drainage 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does K-44 HWY over Bluff Creek Drainage carry?

About 805 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is K-44 HWY over Bluff Creek Drainage?

The structure is 43 ft (13.2 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 73 ft wide.

Who owns K-44 HWY over Bluff Creek Drainage?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.