US Bridges

556th Ave over Norwegian Bow Creek

Fair

Cedar County, Nebraska · 4.5S 2W of Fordyce · Structure no. C001420915

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
52 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

556th Ave over Norwegian Bow Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 556th Ave over Norwegian Bow Creek in Cedar County, Nebraska. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 25 vehicles a day, projected to reach 42 by 2033. The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries556th Ave
CrossesNorwegian Bow Creek
Location4.5S 2W of Fordyce
RouteCounty Highway 209
CountyCedar County
StateNebraska
Coordinates42.6355, -97.4045
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.6 US tons
Inventory rating29.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length52 ft (15.8 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2003)
Projected traffic42 by 2033
Trucks0%
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

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 556th Ave over Norwegian Bow Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is 556th Ave over Norwegian 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does 556th Ave over Norwegian Bow Creek carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is 556th Ave over Norwegian Bow Creek?

The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns 556th Ave over Norwegian Bow Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.