US Bridges

N21 over Buffalo Creek

Good

Dawson County, Nebraska · 3N Lexington · Structure no. S021 03166

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
77 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,240
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

N21 over Buffalo Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying N21 over Buffalo Creek in Dawson County, Nebraska. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,240 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,240 by 2038. The structure is 77 ft (23.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN21
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location3N Lexington
RouteState Highway 21
CountyDawson County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.8369, -99.7493
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.9 US tons
Inventory rating25.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length77 ft (23.5 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,240 (2018)
Projected traffic1,240 by 2038
Trucks21%
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 N21 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is N21 over Buffalo 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does N21 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 1,240 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is N21 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 77 ft (23.5 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns N21 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.