US Bridges

K96 HWY over Walnut Creek Drainage

Fair

Ness County, Kansas · 12.83 Mi. East of US-283 · Structure no. 999909600680431

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
156 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
903
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

K96 HWY over Walnut Creek Drainage is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying K96 HWY over Walnut Creek Drainage in Ness County, Kansas. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 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 903 vehicles a day, roughly 34% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,018 by 2044. The structure is 156 ft (47.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesK96 HWY
CrossesWalnut Creek Drainage
Location12.83 Mi. East of US-283
RouteState Highway 96
CountyNess County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.45167, -99.66833
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating27.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length156 ft (47.5 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic903 (2023)
Projected traffic1,018 by 2044
Trucks34%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 K96 HWY over Walnut Creek Drainage built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is K96 HWY over Walnut Creek Drainage 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does K96 HWY over Walnut Creek Drainage carry?

About 903 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 34% are trucks.

How long is K96 HWY over Walnut Creek Drainage?

The structure is 156 ft (47.5 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns K96 HWY over Walnut Creek Drainage?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.