US Bridges

US81 HWY over Ninnescah River Drainage

Fair

Sumner County, Kansas · 9.76 NE Njct US160 · Structure no. 999908100961191

Built
1924
101 years old, rebuilt 1938
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,735
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US81 HWY over Ninnescah River Drainage is a concrete slab carrying US81 HWY over Ninnescah River Drainage in Sumner County, Kansas. It was built in 1924 and reconstructed in 1938, 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 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 3,735 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,045 by 2044. The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS81 HWY
CrossesNinnescah River Drainage
Location9.76 NE Njct US160
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountySumner County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.39139, -97.35528
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating46.7 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (6.9 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,735 (2023)
Projected traffic4,045 by 2044
Trucks17%
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 Ninnescah River Drainage built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1938.

What condition is US81 HWY over Ninnescah 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 2024.

How much traffic does US81 HWY over Ninnescah River Drainage carry?

About 3,735 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US81 HWY over Ninnescah River Drainage?

The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US81 HWY over Ninnescah River Drainage?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.