US Bridges

US-281 HWY over S Fk Ninnescah River DR

Good

Pratt County, Kansas · 0.58 MI S of US-54 · Structure no. 999928100760191

Built
1971
54 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,146
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-281 HWY over S Fk Ninnescah River DR is a concrete culvert carrying US-281 HWY over S Fk Ninnescah River DR in Pratt County, Kansas. It was built in 1971 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 54 years old, older 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 4,146 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,230 by 2044. The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long and 121 ft wide.

CarriesUS-281 HWY
CrossesS Fk Ninnescah River DR
Location0.58 MI S of US-54
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateKansas
Coordinates37.63778, -98.73944
Functional classUrban 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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length23 ft (6.9 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width121 ft (37 m)
Roadway width121 ft (37 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,146 (2023)
Projected traffic4,230 by 2044
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 S Fk Ninnescah River DR built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is US-281 HWY over S Fk Ninnescah River DR 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US-281 HWY over S Fk Ninnescah River DR carry?

About 4,146 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US-281 HWY over S Fk Ninnescah River DR?

The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 121 ft wide.

Who owns US-281 HWY over S Fk Ninnescah River DR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.