US Bridges

K15 HWY over Short Creek

Good

Sumner County, Kansas · 1.73 MI NW Cowley Coln · Structure no. 999901500960841

Built
1947
78 years old, rebuilt 1979
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,679
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

K15 HWY over Short Creek is a concrete culvert carrying K15 HWY over Short Creek in Sumner County, Kansas. It was built in 1947 and reconstructed in 1979, so it is 78 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 6,679 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,150 by 2044. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesK15 HWY
CrossesShort Creek
Location1.73 MI NW Cowley Coln
RouteState Highway 15
CountySumner County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.43806, -97.17667
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,679 (2023)
Projected traffic8,150 by 2044
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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 K15 HWY over Short Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.

What condition is K15 HWY over Short Creek 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does K15 HWY over Short Creek carry?

About 6,679 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is K15 HWY over Short Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns K15 HWY over Short Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.