US Bridges

SW Sante Fe Lake over Whitewater Creek

FairPosted for load

Butler County, Kansas · 2.5W 1.4N of Towanda · Structure no. 000080853006006

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
207 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

SW Sante Fe Lake over Whitewater Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying SW Sante Fe Lake over Whitewater Creek in Butler County, Kansas. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2045. The structure is 207 ft (63.1 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSW Sante Fe Lake
CrossesWhitewater Creek
Location2.5W 1.4N of Towanda
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyButler County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.81642, -97.04409
Functional classRural Local

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating31 US tons
Inventory rating18.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length207 ft (63.1 m)
Longest span120 ft (36.6 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2023)
Projected traffic50 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SW Sante Fe Lake over Whitewater Creek built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is SW Sante Fe Lake over Whitewater 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does SW Sante Fe Lake over Whitewater Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is SW Sante Fe Lake over Whitewater Creek?

The structure is 207 ft (63.1 m) long with a longest span of 120 ft (36.6 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns SW Sante Fe Lake over Whitewater Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.