US Bridges

Buffalo Soldier RD over Union Pacific Railroad

Fair

Riley County, Kansas · 961-305 · Structure no. DAPFORRIL000100

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
174 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,000
2023 count
Owner
Federal
Army

About this bridge

Buffalo Soldier RD over Union Pacific Railroad is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Buffalo Soldier RD over Union Pacific Railroad in Riley County, Kansas. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 1,000 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,250 by 2044. The structure is 174 ft (53 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesBuffalo Soldier RD
CrossesUnion Pacific Railroad
Location961-305
CountyRiley County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.10138, -96.73542
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.2 US tons
Inventory rating37.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length174 ft (53 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,000 (2023)
Projected traffic1,250 by 2044
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerArmy
Maintained byArmy
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$6,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Buffalo Soldier RD over Union Pacific Railroad built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is Buffalo Soldier RD over Union Pacific Railroad 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Buffalo Soldier RD over Union Pacific Railroad carry?

About 1,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is Buffalo Soldier RD over Union Pacific Railroad?

The structure is 174 ft (53 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Buffalo Soldier RD over Union Pacific Railroad?

It is owned by the Army.