US Bridges

US-81 HWY NB over West Salt Creek

Good

Republic County, Kansas · 2.48 MI N K-148 · Structure no. 999908100790601

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
237 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,981
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-81 HWY NB over West Salt Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-81 HWY NB over West Salt Creek in Republic County, Kansas. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 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 2,981 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,937 by 2044. The structure is 237 ft (72.1 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS-81 HWY NB
CrossesWest Salt Creek
Location2.48 MI N K-148
RouteU.S. Route 81
StateKansas
Coordinates39.73222, -97.65861
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating50.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length237 ft (72.1 m)
Longest span94 ft (28.7 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,981 (2023)
Projected traffic3,937 by 2044
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
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 US-81 HWY NB over West Salt Creek built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-81 HWY NB over West Salt Creek 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does US-81 HWY NB over West Salt Creek carry?

About 2,981 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is US-81 HWY NB over West Salt Creek?

The structure is 237 ft (72.1 m) long with a longest span of 94 ft (28.7 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US-81 HWY NB over West Salt Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.