US Bridges

US 281 HWY over South Fork Solomon River

Good

Osborne County, Kansas · 1.72 MI S Sjct U24 · Structure no. 999928100710511

Built
2004
21 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
630 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
951
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 HWY over South Fork Solomon River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 281 HWY over South Fork Solomon River in Osborne County, Kansas. It was built in 2004, so it is 21 years old, younger than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 951 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 970 by 2044. The structure is 630 ft (191.9 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesUS 281 HWY
CrossesSouth Fork Solomon River
Location1.72 MI S Sjct U24
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateKansas
Coordinates39.42833, -98.69472
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating47.8 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length630 ft (191.9 m)
Longest span104 ft (31.8 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic951 (2023)
Projected traffic970 by 2044
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 US 281 HWY over South Fork Solomon River built?

It was built in 2004, making it 21 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 HWY over South Fork Solomon River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does US 281 HWY over South Fork Solomon River carry?

About 951 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is US 281 HWY over South Fork Solomon River?

The structure is 630 ft (191.9 m) long with a longest span of 104 ft (31.8 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 HWY over South Fork Solomon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.