US Bridges

I135 US81 Wl-El over Sand Creek

Fair

McPherson County, Kansas · 0.86 MI N Njct K260 · Structure no. 999913500590091

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
83 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,783
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I135 US81 Wl-El over Sand Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I135 US81 Wl-El over Sand 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 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 6,783 vehicles a day, roughly 35% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,277 by 2044. The structure is 83 ft (25.2 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
CrossesSand Creek
Location0.86 MI N Njct K260
RouteInterstate 135
CountyMcPherson County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.23944, -97.52917
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length83 ft (25.2 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 traffic6,783 (2023)
Projected traffic8,277 by 2044
Trucks35%
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 Sand Creek built?

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

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

About 6,783 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 35% are trucks.

How long is I135 US81 Wl-El over Sand Creek?

The structure is 83 ft (25.2 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 Sand Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.