US Bridges

US24 HWY Wl-El over Big Blue River Drainage

Good

Riley County, Kansas · 2.77 MI SE Njct K13 · Structure no. 999902400810111

Built
1942
83 years old, rebuilt 2011
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
60 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,555
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US24 HWY Wl-El over Big Blue River Drainage is a concrete culvert carrying US24 HWY Wl-El over Big Blue River Drainage in Riley County, Kansas. It was built in 1942 and reconstructed in 2011, so it is 83 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 3,555 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,850 by 2044. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 283 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS24 HWY Wl-El
CrossesBig Blue River Drainage
Location2.77 MI SE Njct K13
RouteU.S. Route 24
CountyRiley County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.21861, -96.57889
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width283 ft (86.2 m)
Roadway width108 ft (32.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,555 (2023)
Projected traffic3,850 by 2044
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure8
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 US24 HWY Wl-El over Big Blue River Drainage built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2011.

What condition is US24 HWY Wl-El over Big Blue River Drainage 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US24 HWY Wl-El over Big Blue River Drainage carry?

About 3,555 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US24 HWY Wl-El over Big Blue River Drainage?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 283 ft wide.

Who owns US24 HWY Wl-El over Big Blue River Drainage?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.