US Bridges

Township Road 138 over Buffalo Creek

PoorPosted for load

Noble County, Ohio · .08 Mi. W. of Jct. SR.147 · Structure no. 6131492

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
209
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Township Road 138 over Buffalo Creek is a steel culvert carrying Township Road 138 over Buffalo Creek in Noble County, Ohio. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 125 years old, older than the Ohio average of 47.3 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 209 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 290 by 2035. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesTownship Road 138
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location.08 Mi. W. of Jct. SR.147
RouteCounty Highway T0138
CountyNoble County
StateOhio
Coordinates39.79624, -81.46752
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating23.9 US tons
Inventory rating18.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic209 (2015)
Projected traffic290 by 2035
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Township Road 138 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is Township Road 138 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Township Road 138 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 209 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Township Road 138 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m).

Who owns Township Road 138 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.