US Bridges

K63 HWY over UP Railroad

Poor

Pottawatomie County, Kansas · 8.38 Mi. N US24 · Structure no. 999906300750421

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
208 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
710
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

K63 HWY over UP Railroad is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying K63 HWY over UP Railroad in Pottawatomie County, Kansas. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 710 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 724 by 2044. The structure is 208 ft (63.4 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 51 mi (82 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesK63 HWY
CrossesUP Railroad
Location8.38 Mi. N US24
RouteState Highway 63
CountyPottawatomie County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.31611, -96.06333
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating61.5 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length208 ft (63.4 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic710 (2023)
Projected traffic724 by 2044
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed51 mi (82 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 K63 HWY over UP Railroad built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is K63 HWY over UP Railroad in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does K63 HWY over UP Railroad carry?

About 710 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is K63 HWY over UP Railroad?

The structure is 208 ft (63.4 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns K63 HWY over UP Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.