US Bridges

N74 over Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Adams County, Nebraska · 2E Holstein · Structure no. S074 01898

Built
1977
48 years old, rebuilt 2001
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
82 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
595
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

N74 over Cottonwood Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying N74 over Cottonwood Creek in Adams County, Nebraska. It was built in 1977 and reconstructed in 2001, so it is 48 years old, older than the Nebraska average of 47.1 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.

It carries about 595 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 952 by 2038. The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN74
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location2E Holstein
RouteState Highway 74
CountyAdams County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.4663, -98.6239
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50.7 US tons
Inventory rating30.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length82 ft (25 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic595 (2018)
Projected traffic952 by 2038
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.1 mi (50 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 N74 over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2001.

What condition is N74 over Cottonwood 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does N74 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 595 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is N74 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns N74 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.