US Bridges

US56 HWY over Switzler Creek Drainage

Fair

Osage County, Kansas · 2.17 MI E Njct K31 · Structure no. 999905600700231

Built
1926
99 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,067
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US56 HWY over Switzler Creek Drainage is a concrete culvert carrying US56 HWY over Switzler Creek Drainage in Osage County, Kansas. It was built in 1926, so it is 99 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.

It carries about 1,067 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,089 by 2044. The structure is 26 ft (7.8 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

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CarriesUS56 HWY
CrossesSwitzler Creek Drainage
Location2.17 MI E Njct K31
RouteU.S. Route 56
CountyOsage County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.75333, -95.79417
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length26 ft (7.8 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,067 (2023)
Projected traffic1,089 by 2044
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 US56 HWY over Switzler Creek Drainage built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025.

What condition is US56 HWY over Switzler 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US56 HWY over Switzler Creek Drainage carry?

About 1,067 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US56 HWY over Switzler Creek Drainage?

The structure is 26 ft (7.8 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US56 HWY over Switzler Creek Drainage?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.