US Bridges

I80 over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Dawson County, Nebraska · 4W Cozad Intrchg · Structure no. S080 21848R

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 1979
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
54 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
17,540
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I80 over Buffalo Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying I80 over Buffalo Creek in Dawson County, Nebraska. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 1979, so it is 61 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 6 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 17,540 vehicles a day, roughly 41% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,294 by 2038. The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 12.4 mi (20 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI80
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location4W Cozad Intrchg
RouteInterstate 80
CountyDawson County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.8724, -100.0523
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 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 rating58.4 US tons
Inventory rating34.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length54 ft (16.5 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,540 (2018)
Projected traffic19,294 by 2038
Trucks41%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed12.4 mi (20 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I80 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.

What condition is I80 over Buffalo 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 I80 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 17,540 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 41% are trucks.

How long is I80 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I80 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.