US Bridges

County Highway over Shell Creek

Good

Colfax County, Nebraska · .5W 3.6N of Schuyler · Structure no. C001901710

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
180 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Shell Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Highway over Shell Creek in Colfax County, Nebraska. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 years old, younger than the Nebraska average of 47.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 85 by 2033. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesShell Creek
Location.5W 3.6N of Schuyler
RouteCounty Highway 17
CountyColfax County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.505, -97.0983
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span71 ft (21.6 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2003)
Projected traffic85 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over Shell Creek built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway over Shell Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does County Highway over Shell Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Highway over Shell Creek?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 71 ft (21.6 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Shell Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.