US Bridges

N11 over Ponca Creek

Fair

Boyd County, Nebraska · 1NE Butte · Structure no. S011 18443

Built
1945
80 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
188 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
650
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

N11 over Ponca Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying N11 over Ponca Creek in Boyd County, Nebraska. It was built in 1945 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 80 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 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 650 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 780 by 2038. The structure is 188 ft (57.3 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 62.1 mi (100 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN11
CrossesPonca Creek
Location1NE Butte
RouteState Highway 11
CountyBoyd County
StateNebraska
Coordinates42.9428, -98.8409
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 inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65 US tons
Inventory rating38.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length188 ft (57.3 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic650 (2018)
Projected traffic780 by 2038
Trucks11%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was N11 over Ponca Creek built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is N11 over Ponca 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does N11 over Ponca Creek carry?

About 650 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is N11 over Ponca Creek?

The structure is 188 ft (57.3 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns N11 over Ponca Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.