US Bridges

US30 over Elm Creek

Fair

Buffalo County, Nebraska · 1W Elm Creek · Structure no. S030 25617

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
82 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,950
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US30 over Elm Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US30 over Elm Creek in Buffalo County, Nebraska. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 1981, so it is 92 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 2,950 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,130 by 2038. The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS30
CrossesElm Creek
Location1W Elm Creek
RouteU.S. Route 30
CountyBuffalo County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.7208, -99.4005
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.9 US tons
Inventory rating24.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length82 ft (25 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,950 (2018)
Projected traffic4,130 by 2038
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18.6 mi (30 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 US30 over Elm Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1981.

What condition is US30 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US30 over Elm Creek carry?

About 2,950 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US30 over Elm Creek?

The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US30 over Elm Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.