US Bridges

N15 over Baker Creek

Fair

Cedar County, Nebraska · 4SE Laurel · Structure no. S015 17620

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
80 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,955
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

N15 over Baker Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying N15 over Baker Creek in Cedar County, Nebraska. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 86 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 1,955 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,030 by 2038. The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 12.4 mi (20 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN15
CrossesBaker Creek
Location4SE Laurel
RouteState Highway 15
CountyCedar County
StateNebraska
Coordinates42.3988, -97.0348
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45.2 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length80 ft (24.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,955 (2018)
Projected traffic3,030 by 2038
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed12.4 mi (20 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 N15 over Baker Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is N15 over Baker 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 2024.

How much traffic does N15 over Baker Creek carry?

About 1,955 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is N15 over Baker Creek?

The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns N15 over Baker Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.