US Bridges

US281 HWY over Saline River

Good

Russell County, Kansas · 7.06 MI N of I-70 · Structure no. 999928100840411

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 2003
Condition
Good
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
454 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
652
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US281 HWY over Saline River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US281 HWY over Saline River in Russell County, Kansas. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 2003, so it is 88 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 652 vehicles a day, roughly 35% of them trucks, projected to reach 679 by 2044. The structure is 454 ft (138.4 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesUS281 HWY
CrossesSaline River
Location7.06 MI N of I-70
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateKansas
Coordinates38.96556, -98.85417
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length454 ft (138.4 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic652 (2023)
Projected traffic679 by 2044
Trucks35%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Saline River built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2003.

What condition is US281 HWY over Saline 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does US281 HWY over Saline River carry?

About 652 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 35% are trucks.

How long is US281 HWY over Saline River?

The structure is 454 ft (138.4 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns US281 HWY over Saline River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.