US Bridges

K18 HWY over Solomon River

Fair

Ottawa County, Kansas · 2.23 MI NE US81 · Structure no. 999901800720171

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
438 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,370
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

K18 HWY over Solomon River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying K18 HWY over Solomon River in Ottawa County, Kansas. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 1,370 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,672 by 2044. The structure is 438 ft (133.6 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesK18 HWY
CrossesSolomon River
Location2.23 MI NE US81
RouteState Highway 18
CountyOttawa County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.01444, -97.61222
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length438 ft (133.6 m)
Longest span93 ft (28.3 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,370 (2023)
Projected traffic1,672 by 2044
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 K18 HWY over Solomon River built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is K18 HWY over 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does K18 HWY over Solomon River carry?

About 1,370 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is K18 HWY over Solomon River?

The structure is 438 ft (133.6 m) long with a longest span of 93 ft (28.3 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns K18 HWY over Solomon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.