US Bridges

Rs 281 (rd. W6) over N. Fork Solomon River

FairPosted for load

Norton County, Kansas · In Lenora · Structure no. 000000000690050

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
233 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
125
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rs 281 (rd. W6) over N. Fork Solomon River is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Rs 281 (rd. W6) over N. Fork Solomon River in Norton County, Kansas. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 125 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 145 by 2044. The structure is 233 ft (70.9 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesRs 281 (rd. W6)
CrossesN. Fork Solomon River
LocationIn Lenora
RouteCounty Highway 281
CountyNorton County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.61485, -100.00221
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36.3 US tons
Inventory rating21.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length233 ft (70.9 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic125 (2020)
Projected traffic145 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$734,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rs 281 (rd. W6) over N. Fork Solomon River built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rs 281 (rd. W6) over N. Fork Solomon 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Rs 281 (rd. W6) over N. Fork Solomon River carry?

About 125 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Rs 281 (rd. W6) over N. Fork Solomon River?

The structure is 233 ft (70.9 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Rs 281 (rd. W6) over N. Fork Solomon River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.