US Bridges

County Highway over Elm Creek

FairPosted for load

Buffalo County, Nebraska · 1N .5W of Elm Creek · Structure no. C001004405

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Elm Creek is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying County Highway over Elm Creek in Buffalo County, Nebraska. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 8 by 2033. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesElm Creek
Location1N .5W of Elm Creek
RouteCounty Highway 44
CountyBuffalo County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.7438, -99.4007
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating14.3 US tons
Inventory rating7.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2003)
Projected traffic8 by 2033
Trucks0%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 County Highway over Elm Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does County Highway over Elm Creek carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Highway over Elm Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Elm Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.