US Bridges

181th St. Rs 48 over Big Creek

FairPosted for load

Russell County, Kansas · 6.0S 5.0E of Gorham · Structure no. 000000000840130

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
342 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
115
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

181th St. Rs 48 over Big Creek is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying 181th St. Rs 48 over Big Creek in Russell County, Kansas. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 115 vehicles a day, projected to reach 125 by 2044. The structure is 342 ft (104.2 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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Carries181th St. Rs 48
CrossesBig Creek
Location6.0S 5.0E of Gorham
RouteCounty Highway 48
CountyRussell County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.79275, -98.92916
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating30.6 US tons
Inventory rating18.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length342 ft (104.2 m)
Longest span93 ft (28.3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic115 (2020)
Projected traffic125 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 181th St. Rs 48 over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is 181th St. Rs 48 over Big Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does 181th St. Rs 48 over Big Creek carry?

About 115 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is 181th St. Rs 48 over Big Creek?

The structure is 342 ft (104.2 m) long with a longest span of 93 ft (28.3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns 181th St. Rs 48 over Big Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.