US Bridges

Rs 81 over Trib. to Polecat Creek

FairPosted for load

Sedgwick County, Kansas · 79THS 0.8 E of 143RDE · Structure no. 000000000871260

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,777
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rs 81 over Trib. to Polecat Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Rs 81 over Trib. to Polecat Creek in Sedgwick County, Kansas. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,777 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,168 by 2044. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRs 81
CrossesTrib. to Polecat Creek
Location79THS 0.8 E of 143RDE
RouteCounty Highway 81
CountySedgwick County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.5484, -97.15616
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating34.3 US tons
Inventory rating20.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.3 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,777 (2022)
Projected traffic2,168 by 2044
Trucks2%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$700,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rs 81 over Trib. to Polecat Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rs 81 over Trib. to Polecat 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Rs 81 over Trib. to Polecat Creek carry?

About 1,777 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Rs 81 over Trib. to Polecat Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.3 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Rs 81 over Trib. to Polecat Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.