US Bridges

Rs 656 L-15.5 over Buffalo Creek

FairPosted for load

Washington County, Kansas · 3.5S 0.5E of Morrowville · Structure no. 000000001010360

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2014 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rs 656 L-15.5 over Buffalo Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Rs 656 L-15.5 over Buffalo Creek in Washington County, Kansas. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 120 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRs 656 L-15.5
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location3.5S 0.5E of Morrowville
RouteCounty Highway 656
CountyWashington County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.7911, -97.16181
Functional classRural Major 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating23.4 US tons
Inventory rating14 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2014)
Projected traffic120 by 2043
Trucks0%
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$260,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rs 656 L-15.5 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rs 656 L-15.5 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 2023.

How much traffic does Rs 656 L-15.5 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2014 count).

How long is Rs 656 L-15.5 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Rs 656 L-15.5 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.