US Bridges

US81 HWY Wl-El over Saline River Drainage

Good

Saline County, Kansas · 3.43 MI N I70 · Structure no. 999908100850921

Built
1970
55 years old, rebuilt 2004
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,294
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US81 HWY Wl-El over Saline River Drainage is a concrete culvert carrying US81 HWY Wl-El over Saline River Drainage in Saline County, Kansas. It was built in 1970 and reconstructed in 2004, 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 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 4,294 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,239 by 2044. The structure is 25 ft (7.7 m) long and 209 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesUS81 HWY Wl-El
CrossesSaline River Drainage
Location3.43 MI N I70
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountySaline County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.92389, -97.64444
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length25 ft (7.7 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width209 ft (63.6 m)
Roadway width80 ft (24.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,294 (2023)
Projected traffic5,239 by 2044
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Wl-El over Saline River Drainage built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2004.

What condition is US81 HWY Wl-El over Saline River Drainage 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US81 HWY Wl-El over Saline River Drainage carry?

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

How long is US81 HWY Wl-El over Saline River Drainage?

The structure is 25 ft (7.7 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 209 ft wide.

Who owns US81 HWY Wl-El over Saline River Drainage?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.