US Bridges

K181 HWY over Buck Creek

Fair

Smith County, Kansas · 4.99MI N Osborne CO Line · Structure no. 999918100920371

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
117 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
323
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

K181 HWY over Buck Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying K181 HWY over Buck Creek in Smith County, Kansas. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 323 vehicles a day, roughly 41% of them trucks, projected to reach 394 by 2044. The structure is 117 ft (35.8 m) long and 30 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesK181 HWY
CrossesBuck Creek
Location4.99MI N Osborne CO Line
RouteState Highway 181
CountySmith County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.63944, -98.54167
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating40.5 US tons
Inventory rating24.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length117 ft (35.8 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic323 (2023)
Projected traffic394 by 2044
Trucks41%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 K181 HWY over Buck Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is K181 HWY over Buck 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does K181 HWY over Buck Creek carry?

About 323 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 41% are trucks.

How long is K181 HWY over Buck Creek?

The structure is 117 ft (35.8 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns K181 HWY over Buck Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.