US Bridges

K181 HWY over South Fork Solomon River

Fair

Osborne County, Kansas · 5.44MI S US24 · Structure no. 999918100710431

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
463 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
357
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

K181 HWY over South Fork Solomon River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying K181 HWY over South Fork Solomon River in Osborne County, Kansas. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 357 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 379 by 2044. The structure is 463 ft (141.2 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesK181 HWY
CrossesSouth Fork Solomon River
Location5.44MI S US24
RouteState Highway 181
CountyOsborne County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.43139, -98.54528
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating36.3 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length463 ft (141.2 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic357 (2023)
Projected traffic379 by 2044
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 K181 HWY over South Fork Solomon River built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is K181 HWY over South 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does K181 HWY over South Fork Solomon River carry?

About 357 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is K181 HWY over South Fork Solomon River?

The structure is 463 ft (141.2 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns K181 HWY over South Fork Solomon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.