US Bridges

I135 US81 Wl-El over Black Kettle Creek

Good

McPherson County, Kansas · 1.94 MI NW Sjct K260 · Structure no. 999913500590061

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
41 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,630
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I135 US81 Wl-El over Black Kettle Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I135 US81 Wl-El over Black Kettle Creek 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 6,630 vehicles a day, roughly 35% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,252 by 2044. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 130 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI135 US81 Wl-El
CrossesBlack Kettle Creek
Location1.94 MI NW Sjct K260
RouteInterstate 135
CountyMcPherson County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.22417, -97.50972
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75.4 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width130 ft (39.6 m)
Roadway width80 ft (24.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,630 (2023)
Projected traffic8,252 by 2044
Trucks35%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Black Kettle Creek built?

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

What condition is I135 US81 Wl-El over Black Kettle 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 Wl-El over Black Kettle Creek carry?

About 6,630 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 35% are trucks.

How long is I135 US81 Wl-El over Black Kettle Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 130 ft wide.

Who owns I135 US81 Wl-El over Black Kettle Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.