US Bridges

NE Bluestem RD over Branch of Cole Creek

Fair

Butler County, Kansas · 4.0E 3.0N of Degraff · Structure no. 000080881005721

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

NE Bluestem RD over Branch of Cole Creek is a concrete culvert carrying NE Bluestem RD over Branch of Cole Creek in Butler County, Kansas. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2045. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNE Bluestem RD
CrossesBranch of Cole Creek
Location4.0E 3.0N of Degraff
RouteCounty Highway 819
CountyButler County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.0268, -96.78577
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
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 inspectionJanuary 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34.3 US tons
Inventory rating20.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2023)
Projected traffic50 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$38,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NE Bluestem RD over Branch of Cole Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is NE Bluestem RD over Branch of Cole 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does NE Bluestem RD over Branch of Cole Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is NE Bluestem RD over Branch of Cole Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns NE Bluestem RD over Branch of Cole Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.