US Bridges

13-L.8 97 over Buffalo Creek

FairPosted for load

Washington County, Kansas · 1.3E 1.3S of Morrowville · Structure no. 001010839803240

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
45
2014 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

13-L.8 97 over Buffalo Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 13-L.8 97 over Buffalo Creek in Washington County, Kansas. It was built in 1920, so it is 105 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 45 vehicles a day, projected to reach 54 by 2043. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries13-L.8 97
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location1.3E 1.3S of Morrowville
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWashington County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.82814, -97.14635
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating20.1 US tons
Inventory rating12 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45 (2014)
Projected traffic54 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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$230,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 13-L.8 97 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025.

What condition is 13-L.8 97 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does 13-L.8 97 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (2014 count).

How long is 13-L.8 97 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns 13-L.8 97 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.