US Bridges

K256 HWY over Cottonwood River

Fair

Marion County, Kansas · .12 MI W Vine ST (marion) · Structure no. 999925600570401

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
343 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,225
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

K256 HWY over Cottonwood River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying K256 HWY over Cottonwood River in Marion County, Kansas. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 1,225 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,250 by 2044. The structure is 343 ft (104.5 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesK256 HWY
CrossesCottonwood River
Location.12 MI W Vine ST (marion)
RouteState Highway 256
CountyMarion County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.34861, -97.03306
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length343 ft (104.5 m)
Longest span95 ft (29 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,225 (2023)
Projected traffic1,250 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 K256 HWY over Cottonwood River built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is K256 HWY over 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 K256 HWY over Cottonwood River carry?

About 1,225 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is K256 HWY over Cottonwood River?

The structure is 343 ft (104.5 m) long with a longest span of 95 ft (29 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns K256 HWY over Cottonwood River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.