US Bridges

13th ST over Prairie Creek

PoorPosted for load

Hall County, Nebraska · 4.5S .2E Cairo · Structure no. C004001810

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

13th ST over Prairie Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying 13th ST over Prairie Creek in Hall County, Nebraska. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 43 by 2033. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries13th ST
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location4.5S .2E Cairo
RouteCounty Highway 18
CountyHall County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.9317, -98.5833
Functional classRural Local

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
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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating34.2 US tons
Inventory rating19.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2003)
Projected traffic43 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 13th ST over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is 13th ST over Prairie 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does 13th ST over Prairie Creek carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is 13th ST over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns 13th ST over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.