US Bridges

NW Buffalo RD over E. Br. Whitewater River

PoorPosted for load

Butler County, Kansas · 0.5E 3.0N of Potwin · Structure no. 000080855505769

Built
1926
99 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
39 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
30
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

NW Buffalo RD over E. Br. Whitewater River is a concrete continuous slab carrying NW Buffalo RD over E. Br. Whitewater River in Butler County, Kansas. It was built in 1926, so it is 99 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 3 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 30 by 2045. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 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 Buffalo RD
CrossesE. Br. Whitewater River
Location0.5E 3.0N of Potwin
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyButler County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.98582, -97.01511
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
Deck3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating9 US tons
Inventory rating5.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.4 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2024)
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$82,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NW Buffalo RD over E. Br. Whitewater River built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025.

What condition is NW Buffalo RD over E. Br. 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does NW Buffalo RD over E. Br. Whitewater River carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2024 count).

How long is NW Buffalo RD over E. Br. Whitewater River?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.4 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns NW Buffalo RD over E. Br. Whitewater River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.