US Bridges

US-81 Alt HWY over Bull Creek

Fair

McPherson County, Kansas · 1.33 MI N K-61 · Structure no. 9999081B0590871

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,967
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-81 Alt HWY over Bull Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US-81 Alt HWY over Bull Creek in McPherson County, Kansas. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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.

It carries about 2,967 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,214 by 2044. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-81 Alt HWY
CrossesBull Creek
Location1.33 MI N K-61
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountyMcPherson County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.35472, -97.66667
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating35.3 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length43 ft (13.1 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 traffic2,967 (2023)
Projected traffic3,214 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 US-81 Alt HWY over Bull Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-81 Alt HWY over Bull 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does US-81 Alt HWY over Bull Creek carry?

About 2,967 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US-81 Alt HWY over Bull Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US-81 Alt HWY over Bull Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.