US Bridges

SW Parallel ST over Stearns Creek

Fair

Butler County, Kansas · 1.0E 2.0N of Towanda · Structure no. 000080859506000

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

SW Parallel ST over Stearns Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SW Parallel ST over Stearns Creek in Butler County, Kansas. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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.

It carries about 40 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 40 by 2045. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSW Parallel ST
CrossesStearns Creek
Location1.0E 2.0N of Towanda
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyButler County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.825, -96.98086
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating33.3 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width23 ft (6.9 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2023)
Projected traffic40 by 2045
Trucks2%
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$64,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SW Parallel ST over Stearns Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is SW Parallel ST over Stearns 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 Parallel ST over Stearns Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is SW Parallel ST over Stearns Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns SW Parallel ST over Stearns Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.