US Bridges

US6/US34 over Medicine Creek

Fair

Furnas County, Nebraska · 1E Cambridge · Structure no. S006 11245

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
202 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,280
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US6/US34 over Medicine Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US6/US34 over Medicine Creek in Furnas County, Nebraska. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 93 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 3,280 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,428 by 2038. The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 87 mi (140 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS6/US34
CrossesMedicine Creek
Location1E Cambridge
RouteU.S. Route 6
CountyFurnas County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.2831, -100.1569
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45.2 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length202 ft (61.6 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,280 (2018)
Projected traffic4,428 by 2038
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed87 mi (140 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US6/US34 over Medicine Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is US6/US34 over Medicine 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US6/US34 over Medicine Creek carry?

About 3,280 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US6/US34 over Medicine Creek?

The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US6/US34 over Medicine Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.