US Bridges

Bison Rd. over South Cottonwood River

FairPosted for load

Marion County, Kansas · 1.5W of Lehigh · Structure no. 000570821005229

Built
1925
100 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bison Rd. over South Cottonwood River is a concrete culvert carrying Bison Rd. over South Cottonwood River in Marion County, Kansas. It was built in 1925, so it is 100 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 15 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 20 by 2044. The structure is 26 ft (7.8 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBison Rd.
CrossesSouth Cottonwood River
Location1.5W of Lehigh
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMarion County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.3775, -97.33508
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
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 inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating15 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3 (+1 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.8 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2020)
Projected traffic20 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 Bison Rd. over South Cottonwood River built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bison Rd. over South Cottonwood River 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Bison Rd. over South Cottonwood River carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Bison Rd. over South Cottonwood River?

The structure is 26 ft (7.8 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Bison Rd. over South Cottonwood River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.