US Bridges

US-281 HWY over S F Ninnescah River

Good

Pratt County, Kansas · 10.60 MI N K-42 · Structure no. 999928100760231

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
290 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,996
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-281 HWY over S F Ninnescah River is a concrete continuous slab carrying US-281 HWY over S F Ninnescah River in Pratt County, Kansas. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 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 3,996 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,973 by 2044. The structure is 290 ft (88.5 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS-281 HWY
CrossesS F Ninnescah River
Location10.60 MI N K-42
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateKansas
Coordinates37.63333, -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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating103.9 US tons
Inventory rating63.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length290 ft (88.5 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,996 (2023)
Projected traffic4,973 by 2044
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 S F Ninnescah River built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-281 HWY over S F Ninnescah 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 August 2023.

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

About 3,996 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

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

The structure is 290 ft (88.5 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US-281 HWY over S F Ninnescah River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.