US Bridges

County Highway over Kearney Canal

Fair

Buffalo County, Nebraska · 4E .5S of Elm Creek · Structure no. C001005015

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2022 count
Owner
Local
Other Local Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Kearney Canal is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying County Highway over Kearney Canal in Buffalo County, Nebraska. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 25 by 2042. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 43.5 mi (70 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesKearney Canal
Location4E .5S of Elm Creek
RouteCounty Highway 50
CountyBuffalo County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.7, -99.295
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58.4 US tons
Inventory rating33.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2022)
Projected traffic25 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed43.5 mi (70 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerOther Local Agency
Maintained byOther Local 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 County Highway over Kearney Canal built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway over Kearney Canal 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 2024.

How much traffic does County Highway over Kearney Canal carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is County Highway over Kearney Canal?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Kearney Canal?

It is owned by the Other Local Agency.