US Bridges

K39 HWY over Elder Br Buffalo CR

Good

Wilson County, Kansas · 5.02 MI W U75 · Structure no. 999903901030231

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
162 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,016
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

K39 HWY over Elder Br Buffalo CR is a concrete continuous slab carrying K39 HWY over Elder Br Buffalo CR in Wilson County, Kansas. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,016 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,100 by 2044. The structure is 162 ft (49.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesK39 HWY
CrossesElder Br Buffalo CR
Location5.02 MI W U75
RouteState Highway 39
CountyWilson County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.64389, -95.73444
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating42.7 US tons
Inventory rating25.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length162 ft (49.5 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,016 (2023)
Projected traffic1,100 by 2044
Trucks28%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was K39 HWY over Elder Br Buffalo CR built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is K39 HWY over Elder Br Buffalo CR in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does K39 HWY over Elder Br Buffalo CR carry?

About 1,016 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

How long is K39 HWY over Elder Br Buffalo CR?

The structure is 162 ft (49.5 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns K39 HWY over Elder Br Buffalo CR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.