US Bridges

N71 over Little Cottonwood Creek

Good

Dawes County, Nebraska · 6N Crawford · Structure no. S071 14205

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
81 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
185
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

N71 over Little Cottonwood Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying N71 over Little Cottonwood Creek in Dawes County, Nebraska. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 years old, older 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 185 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 250 by 2038. The structure is 81 ft (24.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 130.5 mi (210 km).

CarriesN71
CrossesLittle Cottonwood Creek
Location6N Crawford
RouteState Highway 71
Coordinates42.767, -103.4039
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.5 US tons
Inventory rating28.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length81 ft (24.7 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic185 (2018)
Projected traffic250 by 2038
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed130.5 mi (210 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 N71 over Little Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is N71 over Little Cottonwood 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does N71 over Little Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 185 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is N71 over Little Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 81 ft (24.7 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns N71 over Little Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.