US Bridges

K143 HWY over Saline River

Fair

Saline County, Kansas · 1.20 MI N I70 · Structure no. 999914300851011

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
281 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,488
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

K143 HWY over Saline River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying K143 HWY over Saline River in Saline County, Kansas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 91 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 2,488 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,804 by 2044. The structure is 281 ft (85.6 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesK143 HWY
CrossesSaline River
Location1.20 MI N I70
RouteState Highway 143
CountySaline County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.89361, -97.61222
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionNovember 2024
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating65.3 US tons
Inventory rating39.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length281 ft (85.6 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,488 (2023)
Projected traffic2,804 by 2044
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 K143 HWY over Saline River built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is K143 HWY 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 K143 HWY over Saline River carry?

About 2,488 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is K143 HWY over Saline River?

The structure is 281 ft (85.6 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns K143 HWY over Saline River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.