US Bridges

County Highway over Rope Creek

FairPosted for load

Harlan County, Nebraska · 2.3E 2N of Orleans · Structure no. C004212810

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Rope Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Highway over Rope 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 15 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 25 by 2033. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.3 mi (60 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesRope Creek
Location2.3E 2N of Orleans
RouteCounty Highway 128
CountyHarlan County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.1616, -99.3993
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating37.5 US tons
Inventory rating23.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2003)
Projected traffic25 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed37.3 mi (60 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over Rope Creek built?

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

What condition is County Highway over Rope 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 Rope Creek carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2003 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is County Highway over Rope Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Rope Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.