US Bridges

US281 HWY over BNSF RR

Good

Stafford County, Kansas · 2.68 MI N US50 · Structure no. 999928100930161

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
181 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,409
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US281 HWY over BNSF RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US281 HWY over BNSF RR in Stafford County, Kansas. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger 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 2,409 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,609 by 2044. The structure is 181 ft (55.2 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS281 HWY
CrossesBNSF RR
Location2.68 MI N US50
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateKansas
Coordinates37.99444, -98.74694
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating69.6 US tons
Inventory rating41.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length181 ft (55.2 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,409 (2023)
Projected traffic2,609 by 2044
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 BNSF RR built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is US281 HWY over BNSF RR 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US281 HWY over BNSF RR carry?

About 2,409 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is US281 HWY over BNSF RR?

The structure is 181 ft (55.2 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US281 HWY over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.