US Bridges

81st over Rock Creek

FairPosted for load

Jefferson County, Kansas · E. Edge of Meriden · Structure no. 000000000440038

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Arch - Thru
Concrete
Length
117 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
655
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

81st over Rock Creek is a concrete arch - thru carrying 81st over Rock Creek in Jefferson County, Kansas. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 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 load restriction.

It carries about 655 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,735 by 2040. The structure is 117 ft (35.7 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries81st
CrossesRock Creek
LocationE. Edge of Meriden
RouteCounty Highway 1328
CountyJefferson County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.1923, -95.5517
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating20.1 US tons
Inventory rating13 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Thru
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length117 ft (35.7 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic655 (2019)
Projected traffic1,735 by 2040
Trucks1%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$500,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 81st over Rock Creek built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is 81st over Rock Creek 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does 81st over Rock Creek carry?

About 655 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is 81st over Rock Creek?

The structure is 117 ft (35.7 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns 81st over Rock Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.