US Bridges

US281 HWY over Twin Creek Drainage

Fair

Osborne County, Kansas · 10.91MI N Russell CO Line · Structure no. 999928100710311

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
214 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
548
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US281 HWY over Twin Creek Drainage is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US281 HWY over Twin Creek Drainage in Osborne County, Kansas. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 548 vehicles a day, roughly 44% of them trucks, projected to reach 559 by 2044. The structure is 214 ft (65.1 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS281 HWY
CrossesTwin Creek Drainage
Location10.91MI N Russell CO Line
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyOsborne County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.29111, -98.69444
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
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length214 ft (65.1 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic548 (2023)
Projected traffic559 by 2044
Trucks44%
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 US281 HWY over Twin Creek Drainage built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is US281 HWY over Twin 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US281 HWY over Twin Creek Drainage carry?

About 548 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 44% are trucks.

How long is US281 HWY over Twin Creek Drainage?

The structure is 214 ft (65.1 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns US281 HWY over Twin Creek Drainage?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.