US Bridges

I135 US81 NB over West Kentucky Creek

Fair

McPherson County, Kansas · 8.26 MI N US56 NB · Structure no. 999913500590421

Built
1968
57 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,450
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I135 US81 NB over West Kentucky Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I135 US81 NB over West Kentucky Creek in McPherson County, Kansas. It was built in 1968 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 57 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 7,450 vehicles a day, roughly 37% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,737 by 2044. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long and 163 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

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CarriesI135 US81 NB
CrossesWest Kentucky Creek
Location8.26 MI N US56 NB
RouteInterstate 135
CountyMcPherson County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.49028, -97.61972
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 inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length21 ft (6.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width163 ft (49.7 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,450 (2023)
Projected traffic8,737 by 2044
Trucks37%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 Kentucky Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is I135 US81 NB over West Kentucky 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does I135 US81 NB over West Kentucky Creek carry?

About 7,450 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 37% are trucks.

How long is I135 US81 NB over West Kentucky Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 163 ft wide.

Who owns I135 US81 NB over West Kentucky Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.