US Bridges

Vale RD over Buffalo Creek

FairPosted for load

Cloud County, Kansas · 1.5N 3.9W of Jamestown · Structure no. 000150757103520

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
105 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Vale RD over Buffalo Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Vale RD over Buffalo Creek in Cloud County, Kansas. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 1981, so it is 67 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 40 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 50 by 2043. The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesVale RD
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location1.5N 3.9W of Jamestown
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCloud County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.62479, -97.92946
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating27.8 US tons
Inventory rating16.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length105 ft (32 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2019)
Projected traffic50 by 2043
Trucks1%
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Vale RD over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1981.

What condition is Vale RD over Buffalo 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Vale RD over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Vale RD over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Vale RD over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.