US Bridges

NW Fall ST over Whitewater River

Poor

Butler County, Kansas · 2.3W 2.5N of Towanda · Structure no. 000080853205985

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
42 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
30
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

NW Fall ST over Whitewater River is a concrete continuous slab carrying NW Fall ST over Whitewater River in Butler County, Kansas. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 30 by 2045. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNW Fall ST
CrossesWhitewater River
Location2.3W 2.5N of Towanda
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyButler County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.83216, -97.03923
Functional classRural Local

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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating25.1 US tons
Inventory rating15.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2023)
Projected traffic30 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$56,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NW Fall ST over Whitewater River built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is NW Fall ST over Whitewater River 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does NW Fall ST over Whitewater River carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is NW Fall ST over Whitewater River?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns NW Fall ST over Whitewater River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.