US Bridges

W Road over Sheele Creek

GoodPosted for load

Comanche County, Kansas · 3.0S 2.9E of Buttermilk · Structure no. 000000000170050

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
125 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
55
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

W Road over Sheele Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying W Road over Sheele Creek in Comanche County, Kansas. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 55 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 120 by 2044. The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesW Road
CrossesSheele Creek
Location3.0S 2.9E of Buttermilk
RouteCounty Highway 30
CountyComanche County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.06237, -99.27203
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating26.3 US tons
Inventory rating15.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length125 ft (38.1 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic55 (2021)
Projected traffic120 by 2044
Trucks10%
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 W Road over Sheele Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is W Road over Sheele Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does W Road over Sheele Creek carry?

About 55 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is W Road over Sheele Creek?

The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns W Road over Sheele Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.