US Bridges

K256 HWY over Cottonwood River

Good

Marion County, Kansas · 0.672 MI S JCT US56 · Structure no. 999925600570481

Built
1977
48 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
195 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
474
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 1977 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 48 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 474 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 503 by 2044. The structure is 195 ft (59.5 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesK256 HWY
CrossesCottonwood River
Location0.672 MI S JCT US56
RouteState Highway 256
CountyMarion County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.35278, -97.04028
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating78.6 US tons
Inventory rating47.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length195 ft (59.5 m)
Longest span74 ft (22.6 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic474 (2023)
Projected traffic503 by 2044
Trucks30%
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 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

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

About 474 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is K256 HWY over Cottonwood River?

The structure is 195 ft (59.5 m) long with a longest span of 74 ft (22.6 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns K256 HWY over Cottonwood River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.