US Bridges

N15 over Sand Creek

Fair

Cuming County, Nebraska · 12S Wayne · Structure no. S015 15307

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
103 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,645
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

N15 over Sand Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying N15 over Sand Creek in Cuming County, Nebraska. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 88 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 2,645 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,968 by 2038. The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN15
CrossesSand Creek
Location12S Wayne
RouteState Highway 15
CountyCuming County
StateNebraska
Coordinates42.0685, -97.0195
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 rating56.2 US tons
Inventory rating33.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length103 ft (31.4 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,645 (2018)
Projected traffic3,968 by 2038
Trucks11%
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was N15 over Sand Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is N15 over Sand 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does N15 over Sand Creek carry?

About 2,645 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is N15 over Sand Creek?

The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns N15 over Sand Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.