US Bridges

K53 HWY over Cowskin Creek

Good

Sumner County, Kansas · 1.08 MI E US81 · Structure no. 999905300961281

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
173 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,878
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

K53 HWY over Cowskin Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying K53 HWY over Cowskin Creek in Sumner County, Kansas. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 3,878 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,459 by 2044. The structure is 173 ft (52.7 m) long and 46 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesK53 HWY
CrossesCowskin Creek
Location1.08 MI E US81
RouteState Highway 53
CountySumner County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.47639, -97.31278
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length173 ft (52.7 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 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 closed—
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 built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is K53 HWY over Cowskin 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does K53 HWY over Cowskin Creek carry?

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

How long is K53 HWY over Cowskin Creek?

The structure is 173 ft (52.7 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns K53 HWY over Cowskin Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.