US Bridges

County Road 438 over Spring Creek

Fair

Dawson County, Nebraska · 4SE of Lexington · Structure no. C002406105

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 438 over Spring Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying County Road 438 over Spring Creek in Dawson County, Nebraska. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 51 by 2033. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 438
CrossesSpring Creek
Location4SE of Lexington
RouteCounty Highway 61
CountyDawson County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.7467, -99.655
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79.4 US tons
Inventory rating47.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2003)
Projected traffic51 by 2033
Trucks0%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 County Road 438 over Spring Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 438 over Spring 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does County Road 438 over Spring Creek carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Road 438 over Spring Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 438 over Spring Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.