US Bridges

868th Road over Cottonwood Creek

FairPosted for load

Antelope County, Nebraska · 5N 1.5E of Royal · Structure no. C000200605

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
1998 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

868th Road over Cottonwood Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 868th Road over Cottonwood Creek in Antelope County, Nebraska. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 85 by 2042. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 62.1 mi (100 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries868th Road
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location5N 1.5E of Royal
RouteCounty Highway 7651
CountyAntelope County
StateNebraska
Coordinates42.408, -98.099
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating20.9 US tons
Inventory rating13.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (1998)
Projected traffic85 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed62.1 mi (100 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 868th Road over Cottonwood Creek built?

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

What condition is 868th Road 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does 868th Road over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (1998 count).

How long is 868th Road over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns 868th Road over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.