US Bridges

US6/US34 over Frenchman Creek

Fair

Hitchcock County, Nebraska · 3W Culbertson · Structure no. S006 07255

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 2011
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
189 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,005
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US6/US34 over Frenchman Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US6/US34 over Frenchman Creek in Hitchcock County, Nebraska. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 2011, so it is 89 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.

It carries about 3,005 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,057 by 2038. The structure is 189 ft (57.6 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS6/US34
CrossesFrenchman Creek
Location3W Culbertson
RouteU.S. Route 6
CountyHitchcock County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.2344, -100.8777
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
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 inspectionApril 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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.6 US tons
Inventory rating29.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length189 ft (57.6 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,005 (2018)
Projected traffic4,057 by 2038
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.1 mi (50 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 US6/US34 over Frenchman Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2011.

What condition is US6/US34 over Frenchman 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US6/US34 over Frenchman Creek carry?

About 3,005 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US6/US34 over Frenchman Creek?

The structure is 189 ft (57.6 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US6/US34 over Frenchman Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.