US Bridges

US281 HWY over Fossil Lake

Good

Russell County, Kansas · 0.16MI S Jt I70 · Structure no. 999928100840391

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
133 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,110
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US281 HWY over Fossil Lake is a concrete continuous slab carrying US281 HWY over Fossil Lake in Russell County, Kansas. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 1,110 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,132 by 2044. The structure is 133 ft (40.4 m) long and 77 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS281 HWY
CrossesFossil Lake
Location0.16MI S Jt I70
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateKansas
Coordinates38.86167, -98.85444
Functional classRural 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 inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating70 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length133 ft (40.4 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width77 ft (23.6 m)
Roadway width70 ft (21.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,110 (2023)
Projected traffic1,132 by 2044
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 US281 HWY over Fossil Lake built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is US281 HWY over Fossil Lake 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US281 HWY over Fossil Lake carry?

About 1,110 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US281 HWY over Fossil Lake?

The structure is 133 ft (40.4 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 77 ft wide.

Who owns US281 HWY over Fossil Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.