US Bridges

349th Avenue over Elm Creek

Fair

Buffalo County, South Dakota · 11.0W & 6.8N Gann Valley · Structure no. 000000009180043

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
100 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
55
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

349th Avenue over Elm Creek is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying 349th Avenue over Elm Creek in Buffalo County, South Dakota. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 years old, older than the South Dakota average of 48.9 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 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 55 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 55 by 2032. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Carries349th Avenue
CrossesElm Creek
Location11.0W & 6.8N Gann Valley
Coordinates44.13379, -99.20749
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic55 (2022)
Projected traffic55 by 2032
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 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 349th Avenue over Elm Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is 349th Avenue over Elm 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does 349th Avenue over Elm Creek carry?

About 55 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is 349th Avenue over Elm Creek?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns 349th Avenue over Elm Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.