US Bridges

County Highway over Elder Creek

FairPosted for load

Frontier County, Nebraska · 2E 13S of Eustis · Structure no. C003243410

Built
1915
110 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Elder Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying County Highway over Elder Creek in Frontier County, Nebraska. It was built in 1915, so it is 110 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 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 17 by 2033. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesElder Creek
Location2E 13S of Eustis
RouteCounty Highway 434
Coordinates40.4672, -99.9854
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating15.4 US tons
Inventory rating8.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2003)
Projected traffic17 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over Elder Creek built?

It was built in 1915, making it 110 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway over Elder 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does County Highway over Elder Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Highway over Elder Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Elder Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.