US Bridges

US281 HWY over North Fork Solomon River

FairPosted for load

Osborne County, Kansas · 3.12MI N Njct U24 · Structure no. 999928100710361

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
726 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US281 HWY over North Fork Solomon River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US281 HWY over North Fork Solomon River in Osborne County, Kansas. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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. Its operating status is: posted for other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 1,100 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,396 by 2044. The structure is 726 ft (221.3 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesUS281 HWY
CrossesNorth Fork Solomon River
Location3.12MI N Njct U24
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateKansas
Coordinates39.55417, -98.69194
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
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 rating22.6 US tons
Inventory rating13 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 20
Structure length726 ft (221.3 m)
Longest span126 ft (38.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,100 (2023)
Projected traffic1,396 by 2044
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 North Fork Solomon River built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is US281 HWY over North 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 2024.

How much traffic does US281 HWY over North Fork Solomon River carry?

About 1,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US281 HWY over North Fork Solomon River?

The structure is 726 ft (221.3 m) long with a longest span of 126 ft (38.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns US281 HWY over North Fork Solomon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.