US Bridges

Rd. H over Buffalo Creek

PoorPosted for load

Norton County, Kansas · 0.5N 1.6E of Almena · Structure no. 000690571503140

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
60
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rd. H over Buffalo Creek is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Rd. H over Buffalo Creek in Norton County, Kansas. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 60 by 2044. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRd. H
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location0.5N 1.6E of Almena
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyNorton County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.90032, -99.67384
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating16.3 US tons
Inventory rating9.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.2 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2020)
Projected traffic60 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$153,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rd. H over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rd. H over Buffalo Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2024.

How much traffic does Rd. H over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Rd. H over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.2 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Rd. H over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.