US Bridges

US281 HWY over West Fork Wolf Creek

Good

Russell County, Kansas · 2.61 MI E Wjct K18 · Structure no. 999928100840651

Built
2011
14 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
122 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
416
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US281 HWY over West Fork Wolf Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying US281 HWY over West Fork Wolf Creek in Russell County, Kansas. It was built in 2011, so it is 14 years old, younger 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 416 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 508 by 2044. The structure is 122 ft (37.3 m) long and 38 ft wide.

CarriesUS281 HWY
CrossesWest Fork Wolf Creek
Location2.61 MI E Wjct K18
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateKansas
Coordinates39.11806, -98.80417
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating69.3 US tons
Inventory rating53.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length122 ft (37.3 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic416 (2023)
Projected traffic508 by 2044
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 West Fork Wolf Creek built?

It was built in 2011, making it 14 years old in 2025.

What condition is US281 HWY over West Fork Wolf Creek 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 West Fork Wolf Creek carry?

About 416 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US281 HWY over West Fork Wolf Creek?

The structure is 122 ft (37.3 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns US281 HWY over West Fork Wolf Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.