US Bridges

554th Ave over Bow Creek

FairPosted for load

Cedar County, Nebraska · 3.5S 9W of Hartington · Structure no. C001400505

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

554th Ave over Bow Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 554th Ave over Bow Creek in Cedar County, Nebraska. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 25 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 42 by 2033. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries554th Ave
CrossesBow Creek
Location3.5S 9W of Hartington
RouteCounty Highway 5
CountyCedar County
StateNebraska
Coordinates42.5636, -97.4458
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating36.4 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2003)
Projected traffic42 by 2033
Trucks15%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 554th Ave over Bow Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is 554th Ave over Bow 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does 554th Ave over Bow Creek carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2003 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is 554th Ave over Bow Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns 554th Ave over Bow Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.