US Bridges

N12 over Aowa Creek

FairPosted for load

Dixon County, Nebraska · .1SE Ponca · Structure no. S012 23427

Built
1946
79 years old, rebuilt 1975
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
184 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,840
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

N12 over Aowa Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying N12 over Aowa Creek in Dixon County, Nebraska. It was built in 1946 and reconstructed in 1975, so it is 79 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,840 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,392 by 2038. The structure is 184 ft (56.1 m) long and 69 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 12.4 mi (20 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN12
CrossesAowa Creek
Location.1SE Ponca
RouteState Highway 12
CountyDixon County
StateNebraska
Coordinates42.5602, -96.7065
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating33.1 US tons
Inventory rating18.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length184 ft (56.1 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width69 ft (21.1 m)
Roadway width66 ft (20.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,840 (2018)
Projected traffic2,392 by 2038
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed12.4 mi (20 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 N12 over Aowa Creek built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1975.

What condition is N12 over Aowa 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does N12 over Aowa Creek carry?

About 1,840 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is N12 over Aowa Creek?

The structure is 184 ft (56.1 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 69 ft wide.

Who owns N12 over Aowa Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.