US Bridges

NW Topeka Blvd. over Kaw River

Good

Shawnee County, Kansas · Nwtopekablvd./Kaw ETAL;58 · Structure no. 42795089552D10C

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 2008
Condition
Good
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
3,376 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
17,325
2017 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

NW Topeka Blvd. over Kaw River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NW Topeka Blvd. over Kaw River in Shawnee County, Kansas. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 2008, so it is 87 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 17,325 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,651 by 2043. The structure is 3,376 ft (1,029 m) long and 69 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesNW Topeka Blvd.
CrossesKaw River
LocationNwtopekablvd./Kaw ETAL;58
RouteCity Street 5551
CountyShawnee County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.06389, -95.67444
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9 (+19 approach)
Design loadHL 93
Structure length3,376 ft (1,029 m)
Longest span217 ft (66.1 m)
Deck width69 ft (20.9 m)
Roadway width52 ft (16 m)
Vertical clearance over deck24 ft (7.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,325 (2017)
Projected traffic24,651 by 2043
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway, waterway and railroad
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$41,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NW Topeka Blvd. over Kaw River built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2008.

What condition is NW Topeka Blvd. over Kaw River 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does NW Topeka Blvd. over Kaw River carry?

About 17,325 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is NW Topeka Blvd. over Kaw River?

The structure is 3,376 ft (1,029 m) long with a longest span of 217 ft (66.1 m) and a deck 69 ft wide.

Who owns NW Topeka Blvd. over Kaw River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.