US Bridges

I135 US81 Wl-El over West Emma Creek Drainage

Good

McPherson County, Kansas · 2.05 MI N Harvey Coln · Structure no. 999913500590041

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
45 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
7,140
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I135 US81 Wl-El over West Emma Creek Drainage is a concrete culvert carrying I135 US81 Wl-El over West Emma Creek Drainage in McPherson County, Kansas. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 130 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI135 US81 Wl-El
CrossesWest Emma Creek Drainage
Location2.05 MI N Harvey Coln
RouteInterstate 135
CountyMcPherson County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.1925, -97.47528
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width130 ft (39.6 m)
Roadway width128 ft (39 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,140 (2023)
Projected traffic9,064 by 2044
Trucks33%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 Wl-El over West Emma Creek Drainage built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is I135 US81 Wl-El over West Emma Creek Drainage 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 Wl-El over West Emma Creek Drainage carry?

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

How long is I135 US81 Wl-El over West Emma Creek Drainage?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 130 ft wide.

Who owns I135 US81 Wl-El over West Emma Creek Drainage?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.