US Bridges

US-56 HWY over Bull Creek

Good

McPherson County, Kansas · 13.00 MI E Rice Coln · Structure no. 999905600591191

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
86 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
4,396
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-56 HWY over Bull Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US-56 HWY over Bull Creek in McPherson County, Kansas. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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 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 4,396 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,955 by 2044. The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 28 mi (45 km).

CarriesUS-56 HWY
CrossesBull Creek
Location13.00 MI E Rice Coln
RouteU.S. Route 56
StateKansas
Coordinates38.36944, -97.68861
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating102 US tons
Inventory rating61 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length86 ft (26.2 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,396 (2023)
Projected traffic4,955 by 2044
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed28 mi (45 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 US-56 HWY over Bull Creek built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-56 HWY over Bull 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does US-56 HWY over Bull Creek carry?

About 4,396 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US-56 HWY over Bull Creek?

The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns US-56 HWY over Bull Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.