US Bridges

US56 K15 HWY over South Cottonwood River

Fair

Marion County, Kansas · 0.57 MI E Wjct K15 · Structure no. 999905600570121

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,882
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US56 K15 HWY over South Cottonwood River is a concrete culvert carrying US56 K15 HWY over South Cottonwood River in Marion County, Kansas. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 76 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 3,882 vehicles a day, roughly 34% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,737 by 2044. The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long and 70 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS56 K15 HWY
CrossesSouth Cottonwood River
Location0.57 MI E Wjct K15
RouteU.S. Route 56
CountyMarion County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.36222, -97.32417
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.4 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length38 ft (11.5 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width70 ft (21.2 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,882 (2023)
Projected traffic4,737 by 2044
Trucks34%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 US56 K15 HWY over South Cottonwood River built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is US56 K15 HWY over South Cottonwood River 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 US56 K15 HWY over South Cottonwood River carry?

About 3,882 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 34% are trucks.

How long is US56 K15 HWY over South Cottonwood River?

The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns US56 K15 HWY over South Cottonwood River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.