US Bridges

I70 HWY Nl-Sl over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Ellsworth County, Kansas · 8.70 MI E K232 · Structure no. 999907000270091

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,300
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I70 HWY Nl-Sl over Buffalo Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I70 HWY Nl-Sl over Buffalo Creek in Ellsworth County, Kansas. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 61 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 5 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 6,300 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,997 by 2044. The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long and 155 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI70 HWY Nl-Sl
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location8.70 MI E K232
RouteInterstate 70
CountyEllsworth County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.84889, -98.30639
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.5 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length33 ft (10 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width155 ft (47.3 m)
Roadway width80 ft (24.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,300 (2023)
Projected traffic7,997 by 2044
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I70 HWY Nl-Sl over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is I70 HWY Nl-Sl 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does I70 HWY Nl-Sl over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 6,300 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is I70 HWY Nl-Sl over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 155 ft wide.

Who owns I70 HWY Nl-Sl over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.