US Bridges

SW Buffalo Rd. over Small Stream

FairPosted for load

Butler County, Kansas · 1.0W 3.0S of Towanda · Structure no. 000080855506100

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

SW Buffalo Rd. over Small Stream is a steel culvert carrying SW Buffalo Rd. over Small Stream in Butler County, Kansas. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 50 by 2045. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSW Buffalo Rd.
CrossesSmall Stream
Location1.0W 3.0S of Towanda
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyButler County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.75196, -97.01694
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 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 evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
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 rating9.5 US tons
Inventory rating5.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.4 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2023)
Projected traffic50 by 2045
Trucks4%
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 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 SW Buffalo Rd. over Small Stream built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is SW Buffalo Rd. over Small Stream 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 Buffalo Rd. over Small Stream carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is SW Buffalo Rd. over Small Stream?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.4 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SW Buffalo Rd. over Small Stream?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.