US Bridges

NW 120th Street over Whitewater River

FairPosted for load

Butler County, Kansas · 0.2E 4.0N of Potwin · Structure no. 000080855205760

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
99 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
55
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

NW 120th Street over Whitewater River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NW 120th Street over Whitewater River in Butler County, Kansas. It was built in 1927, so it is 98 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 5 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 55 vehicles a day, projected to reach 55 by 2045. The structure is 99 ft (30.2 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesNW 120th Street
CrossesWhitewater River
Location0.2E 4.0N of Potwin
RouteCounty Highway 836
CountyButler County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.99933, -97.01987
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, 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 inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating22.7 US tons
Inventory rating13.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length99 ft (30.2 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.4 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic55 (2023)
Projected traffic55 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 NW 120th Street over Whitewater River built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025.

What condition is NW 120th Street over Whitewater River 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does NW 120th Street over Whitewater River carry?

About 55 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is NW 120th Street over Whitewater River?

The structure is 99 ft (30.2 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.4 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns NW 120th Street over Whitewater River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.