US Bridges

K87 HWY over Black Vermillion River

Fair

Marshall County, Kansas · 0.26 MI S K9 · Structure no. 999908700580471

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
215 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
159
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

K87 HWY over Black Vermillion River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying K87 HWY over Black Vermillion River in Marshall County, Kansas. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 5 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 159 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 165 by 2044. The structure is 215 ft (65.6 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesK87 HWY
CrossesBlack Vermillion River
Location0.26 MI S K9
RouteState Highway 87
CountyMarshall County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.72167, -96.33306
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating82 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length215 ft (65.6 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic159 (2023)
Projected traffic165 by 2044
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 K87 HWY over Black Vermillion River built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is K87 HWY over Black Vermillion 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does K87 HWY over Black Vermillion River carry?

About 159 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is K87 HWY over Black Vermillion River?

The structure is 215 ft (65.6 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns K87 HWY over Black Vermillion River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.