US Bridges

US81 HWY over Slate Creek

Fair

Sumner County, Kansas · 1.50 MI S Sjct US160 · Structure no. 999908100960481

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
295 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,391
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US81 HWY over Slate Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying US81 HWY over Slate Creek 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 2,391 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,917 by 2044. The structure is 295 ft (90 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS81 HWY
CrossesSlate Creek
Location1.50 MI S Sjct US160
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountySumner County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.25, -97.40333
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length295 ft (90 m)
Longest span66 ft (20.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,391 (2023)
Projected traffic2,917 by 2044
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 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 Slate Creek built?

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

What condition is US81 HWY over Slate Creek 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 Slate Creek carry?

About 2,391 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is US81 HWY over Slate Creek?

The structure is 295 ft (90 m) long with a longest span of 66 ft (20.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns US81 HWY over Slate Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.