US Bridges

N4 over Cub Creek

Poor

Gage County, Nebraska · 4W Beatrice · Structure no. S004 15219

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Frame
Concrete
Length
181 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,880
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

N4 over Cub Creek is a concrete frame carrying N4 over Cub Creek in Gage County, Nebraska. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 years old, older than the Nebraska average of 47.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,880 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,256 by 2038. The structure is 181 ft (55.2 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN4
CrossesCub Creek
Location4W Beatrice
RouteState Highway 4
CountyGage County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.2916, -96.8343
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.7 US tons
Inventory rating25.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length181 ft (55.2 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,880 (2018)
Projected traffic2,256 by 2038
Trucks10%
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was N4 over Cub Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is N4 over Cub Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does N4 over Cub Creek carry?

About 1,880 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is N4 over Cub Creek?

The structure is 181 ft (55.2 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns N4 over Cub Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.