US Bridges

US81 HWY over Bluff Creek

Poor

Sumner County, Kansas · 0.93 MI N Okla State Line · Structure no. 999908100960401

Built
1924
101 years old, rebuilt 1962
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
191 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
826
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US81 HWY over Bluff Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US81 HWY over Bluff Creek in Sumner County, Kansas. It was built in 1924 and reconstructed in 1962, so it is 101 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 826 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,069 by 2044. The structure is 191 ft (58.3 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS81 HWY
CrossesBluff Creek
Location0.93 MI N Okla State Line
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountySumner County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.01222, -97.60667
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.8 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length191 ft (58.3 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic826 (2023)
Projected traffic1,069 by 2044
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 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 US81 HWY over Bluff Creek built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1962.

What condition is US81 HWY over Bluff Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does US81 HWY over Bluff Creek carry?

About 826 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is US81 HWY over Bluff Creek?

The structure is 191 ft (58.3 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US81 HWY over Bluff Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.