US Bridges

K181 HWY over Oak Creek

Fair

Smith County, Kansas · 8.29MI N Osborne CO Line · Structure no. 999918100920381

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
252 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
323
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

K181 HWY over Oak Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying K181 HWY over Oak 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 252 ft (76.9 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesK181 HWY
CrossesOak Creek
Location8.29MI N Osborne CO Line
RouteState Highway 181
CountySmith County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.685, -98.55917
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
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length252 ft (76.9 m)
Longest span93 ft (28.3 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 closed5 mi (8 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 K181 HWY over Oak Creek built?

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

What condition is K181 HWY over Oak 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does K181 HWY over Oak Creek carry?

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

How long is K181 HWY over Oak Creek?

The structure is 252 ft (76.9 m) long with a longest span of 93 ft (28.3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns K181 HWY over Oak Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.