US Bridges

K53 HWY over Cowskin Creek Drainage

Fair

Sumner County, Kansas · 1.82 MI E US81 · Structure no. 999905300961051

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
64 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,878
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

K53 HWY over Cowskin Creek Drainage is a concrete culvert carrying K53 HWY over Cowskin Creek Drainage in Sumner County, Kansas. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 6 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 3,878 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,459 by 2044. The structure is 64 ft (19.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesK53 HWY
CrossesCowskin Creek Drainage
Location1.82 MI E US81
RouteState Highway 53
CountySumner County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.47611, -97.29917
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36.9 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length64 ft (19.4 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,878 (2023)
Projected traffic4,459 by 2044
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 K53 HWY over Cowskin Creek Drainage built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is K53 HWY over Cowskin Creek Drainage 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does K53 HWY over Cowskin Creek Drainage carry?

About 3,878 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is K53 HWY over Cowskin Creek Drainage?

The structure is 64 ft (19.4 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns K53 HWY over Cowskin Creek Drainage?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.