US Bridges

N57 over Pearl Creek

Poor

Cedar County, Nebraska · 4S Hartington · Structure no. S057 06259

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
92 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,835
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

N57 over Pearl Creek is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying N57 over Pearl Creek in Cedar County, Nebraska. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger than the Nebraska average of 47.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,835 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,386 by 2038. The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN57
CrossesPearl Creek
Location4S Hartington
RouteState Highway 57
CountyCedar County
StateNebraska
Coordinates42.5624, -97.2689
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating76.1 US tons
Inventory rating45.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length92 ft (28 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,835 (2018)
Projected traffic2,386 by 2038
Trucks7%
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

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 N57 over Pearl Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is N57 over Pearl Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does N57 over Pearl Creek carry?

About 1,835 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is N57 over Pearl Creek?

The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns N57 over Pearl Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.