US Bridges

461 Ave over Buffalo Ck

Fair

Lake County, South Dakota · 3W Chester · Structure no. 000000040190208

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1968
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
260
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

461 Ave over Buffalo Ck is a concrete continuous culvert carrying 461 Ave over Buffalo Ck in Lake County, South Dakota. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1968, so it is 70 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 260 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 344 by 2032. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries461 Ave
CrossesBuffalo Ck
Location3W Chester
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLake County
StateSouth Dakota
Coordinates43.89457, -96.98906
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic260 (2022)
Projected traffic344 by 2032
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$10,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 461 Ave over Buffalo Ck built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1968.

What condition is 461 Ave over Buffalo Ck 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does 461 Ave over Buffalo Ck carry?

About 260 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is 461 Ave over Buffalo Ck?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns 461 Ave over Buffalo Ck?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.