US Bridges

US281 HWY over Wolf Creek

Fair

Russell County, Kansas · 6.89MI E Wjct K18 · Structure no. 999928100840451

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
156 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
539
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US281 HWY over Wolf Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying US281 HWY over Wolf Creek in Russell County, Kansas. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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.

It carries about 539 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 658 by 2044. The structure is 156 ft (47.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS281 HWY
CrossesWolf Creek
Location6.89MI E Wjct K18
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyRussell County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.11806, -98.72472
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.5 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length156 ft (47.4 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic539 (2023)
Projected traffic658 by 2044
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Wolf Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is US281 HWY over Wolf 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US281 HWY over Wolf Creek carry?

About 539 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is US281 HWY over Wolf Creek?

The structure is 156 ft (47.4 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns US281 HWY over Wolf Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.