US Bridges

I135 US81 NB over West Emma Creek

Good

McPherson County, Kansas · 1.16 MI N Harvey Coln NB · Structure no. 999913500590021

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
311 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
7,140
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I135 US81 NB over West Emma Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying I135 US81 NB over West Emma Creek in McPherson County, Kansas. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 years old, older 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 7,140 vehicles a day, roughly 33% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,064 by 2044. The structure is 311 ft (94.8 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesI135 US81 NB
CrossesWest Emma Creek
Location1.16 MI N Harvey Coln NB
RouteInterstate 135
StateKansas
Coordinates38.18444, -97.46278
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length311 ft (94.8 m)
Longest span56 ft (17.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,140 (2023)
Projected traffic9,064 by 2044
Trucks33%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I135 US81 NB over West Emma Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is I135 US81 NB over West Emma 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 I135 US81 NB over West Emma Creek carry?

About 7,140 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 33% are trucks.

How long is I135 US81 NB over West Emma Creek?

The structure is 311 ft (94.8 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I135 US81 NB over West Emma Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.