US Bridges

US81 HWY Nb/Sb over Solomon River Drainage

Fair

Ottawa County, Kansas · 5.18 MI N K18 · Structure no. 999908100720431

Built
1970
55 years old, rebuilt 2001
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,848
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US81 HWY Nb/Sb over Solomon River Drainage is a concrete culvert carrying US81 HWY Nb/Sb over Solomon River Drainage in Ottawa County, Kansas. It was built in 1970 and reconstructed in 2001, so it is 55 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 3,848 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,424 by 2044. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 176 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS81 HWY Nb/Sb
CrossesSolomon River Drainage
Location5.18 MI N K18
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountyOttawa County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.08944, -97.65056
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36.8 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width176 ft (53.6 m)
Roadway width80 ft (24.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,848 (2023)
Projected traffic4,424 by 2044
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 US81 HWY Nb/Sb over Solomon River Drainage built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2001.

What condition is US81 HWY Nb/Sb over Solomon River 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US81 HWY Nb/Sb over Solomon River Drainage carry?

About 3,848 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is US81 HWY Nb/Sb over Solomon River Drainage?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 176 ft wide.

Who owns US81 HWY Nb/Sb over Solomon River Drainage?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.