US Bridges

County Highway over Elm Creek

FairPosted for load

Harlan County, Nebraska · 2.7E 6N of Oxford · Structure no. C004200410

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
49 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
20
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Elm Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Highway over Elm Creek in Harlan 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 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 20 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 34 by 2033. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesElm Creek
Location2.7E 6N of Oxford
RouteCounty Highway 4
CountyHarlan County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.336, -99.5708
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 inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating16.5 US tons
Inventory rating9.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length49 ft (14.9 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2003)
Projected traffic34 by 2033
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 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 Elm Creek built?

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

What condition is County Highway over Elm 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does County Highway over Elm Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2003 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is County Highway over Elm Creek?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Elm Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.