US Bridges

Ave C over Buffalo Creek

FairPosted for load

Ellsworth County, Kansas · 4.3W 7.7N of Ellsworth · Structure no. 000270715404600

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 2011
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
36 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ave C over Buffalo Creek is a concrete slab carrying Ave C over Buffalo Creek in Ellsworth County, Kansas. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 2011, so it is 88 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 20 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 25 by 2044. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAve C
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location4.3W 7.7N of Ellsworth
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEllsworth County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.84184, -98.31181
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating13 US tons
Inventory rating13 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 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 traffic20 (2020)
Projected traffic25 by 2044
Trucks5%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ave C over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2011.

What condition is Ave C 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 2024.

How much traffic does Ave C over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Ave C over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Ave C over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.