US Bridges

US81 HWY over Chikaskia River Drainage

Fair

Sumner County, Kansas · 6.09 MI E K49 · Structure no. 999908100960431

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,088
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US81 HWY over Chikaskia River Drainage is a concrete culvert carrying US81 HWY over Chikaskia River Drainage in Sumner County, Kansas. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 1,088 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,110 by 2044. The structure is 44 ft (13.3 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS81 HWY
CrossesChikaskia River Drainage
Location6.09 MI E K49
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountySumner County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.04083, -97.49917
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.2 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length44 ft (13.3 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width46 ft (13.9 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,088 (2023)
Projected traffic1,110 by 2044
Trucks24%
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 US81 HWY over Chikaskia River Drainage built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is US81 HWY over Chikaskia River 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 US81 HWY over Chikaskia River Drainage carry?

About 1,088 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is US81 HWY over Chikaskia River Drainage?

The structure is 44 ft (13.3 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US81 HWY over Chikaskia River Drainage?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.