US Bridges

US281 HWY over White Rock Creek

Poor

Smith County, Kansas · 3.95 MI N JCT K191 · Structure no. 999928100920281

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
225 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
492
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US281 HWY over White Rock Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US281 HWY over White Rock Creek in Smith County, Kansas. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 88 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 492 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 600 by 2044. The structure is 225 ft (68.6 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS281 HWY
CrossesWhite Rock Creek
Location3.95 MI N JCT K191
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountySmith County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.88194, -98.54167
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length225 ft (68.6 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.2 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic492 (2023)
Projected traffic600 by 2044
Trucks28%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 US281 HWY over White Rock Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is US281 HWY over White Rock Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does US281 HWY over White Rock Creek carry?

About 492 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

How long is US281 HWY over White Rock Creek?

The structure is 225 ft (68.6 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.2 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns US281 HWY over White Rock Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.