US Bridges

US81 HWY NB over Saline River

Fair

Saline County, Kansas · 3.16 MI N I70 NB · Structure no. 999908100850911

Built
1970
55 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
363 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,294
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US81 HWY NB over Saline River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US81 HWY NB over Saline River in Saline County, Kansas. It was built in 1970 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 55 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 5 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 4,294 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,239 by 2044. The structure is 363 ft (110.7 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS81 HWY NB
CrossesSaline River
Location3.16 MI N I70 NB
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountySaline County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.92028, -97.645
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70.3 US tons
Inventory rating42.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length363 ft (110.7 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,294 (2023)
Projected traffic5,239 by 2044
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US81 HWY NB over Saline River built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is US81 HWY NB over Saline River 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US81 HWY NB over Saline River carry?

About 4,294 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US81 HWY NB over Saline River?

The structure is 363 ft (110.7 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US81 HWY NB over Saline River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.