US Bridges

Road 738 over Elk Creek

FairPosted for load

Gosper County, Nebraska · JCT US283/N18 2.2N .5W · Structure no. C003702615

Built
1922
103 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Road 738 over Elk Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Road 738 over Elk Creek in Gosper County, Nebraska. It was built in 1922, so it is 103 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 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoad 738
CrossesElk Creek
LocationJCT US283/N18 2.2N .5W
RouteCounty Highway 26
CountyGosper County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.529, -99.905
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36.4 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2003)
Projected traffic17 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18.6 mi (30 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Road 738 over Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025.

What condition is Road 738 over Elk 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 Road 738 over Elk Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is Road 738 over Elk Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Road 738 over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.