US Bridges

US56 HWY over North Cottonwood River

Good

Marion County, Kansas · 8.58 MI E Ejct K15 · Structure no. 999905600570421

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
215 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,923
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US56 HWY over North Cottonwood River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US56 HWY over North Cottonwood River in Marion County, Kansas. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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 2,923 vehicles a day, roughly 49% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,711 by 2044. The structure is 215 ft (65.5 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS56 HWY
CrossesNorth Cottonwood River
Location8.58 MI E Ejct K15
RouteU.S. Route 56
StateKansas
Coordinates38.36083, -97.07
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 rating69 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length215 ft (65.5 m)
Longest span71 ft (21.6 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,923 (2023)
Projected traffic3,711 by 2044
Trucks49%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 HWY over North Cottonwood River built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is US56 HWY over North Cottonwood River 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 US56 HWY over North Cottonwood River carry?

About 2,923 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 49% are trucks.

How long is US56 HWY over North Cottonwood River?

The structure is 215 ft (65.5 m) long with a longest span of 71 ft (21.6 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US56 HWY over North Cottonwood River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.