US Bridges

US-81 Alt HWY SB over I135 HWY Wl-El

Fair

McPherson County, Kansas · JCT US81 ALT/I135 · Structure no. 9999081B0590231

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Concrete Continuous
Length
217 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,837
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-81 Alt HWY SB over I135 HWY Wl-El is a concrete continuous box beam or girders - multiple carrying US-81 Alt HWY SB over I135 HWY Wl-El in McPherson County, Kansas. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 6 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 2,837 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,559 by 2044. The structure is 217 ft (66 m) long and 42 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-81 Alt HWY SB
CrossesI135 HWY Wl-El
LocationJCT US81 ALT/I135
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountyMcPherson County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.34, -97.62111
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating84.4 US tons
Inventory rating50.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length217 ft (66 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,837 (2023)
Projected traffic4,559 by 2044
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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-81 Alt HWY SB over I135 HWY Wl-El built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-81 Alt HWY SB over I135 HWY Wl-El 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does US-81 Alt HWY SB over I135 HWY Wl-El carry?

About 2,837 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US-81 Alt HWY SB over I135 HWY Wl-El?

The structure is 217 ft (66 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US-81 Alt HWY SB over I135 HWY Wl-El?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.