US Bridges

K53 HWY over Arkansas River Drainage

Good

Sumner County, Kansas · 2.82 MI E US81 · Structure no. 999905300961061

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

About this bridge

K53 HWY over Arkansas River Drainage is a concrete culvert carrying K53 HWY over Arkansas River 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 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 3,878 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,459 by 2044. The structure is 43 ft (13 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesK53 HWY
CrossesArkansas River Drainage
Location2.82 MI E US81
RouteState Highway 53
CountySumner County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.47583, -97.28139
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length43 ft (13 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 closed3.7 mi (6 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 Arkansas River Drainage built?

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

What condition is K53 HWY over Arkansas River Drainage 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does K53 HWY over Arkansas River Drainage carry?

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

How long is K53 HWY over Arkansas River Drainage?

The structure is 43 ft (13 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns K53 HWY over Arkansas River Drainage?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.