US Bridges

Township Road over Ponca Creek

Fair

Knox County, Nebraska · 1.7E of Verdel · Structure no. C005421720

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
138 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
90
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Township Road over Ponca Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Township Road over Ponca Creek in Knox County, Nebraska. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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 6 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 90 vehicles a day, projected to reach 153 by 2033. The structure is 138 ft (42.1 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.3 mi (60 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTownship Road
CrossesPonca Creek
Location1.7E of Verdel
RouteCounty Highway 217
CountyKnox County
StateNebraska
Coordinates42.81, -98.1533
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating66.1 US tons
Inventory rating38.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length138 ft (42.1 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic90 (2003)
Projected traffic153 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 Township Road over Ponca Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Township Road over Ponca 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 Township Road over Ponca Creek carry?

About 90 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is Township Road over Ponca Creek?

The structure is 138 ft (42.1 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Township Road over Ponca Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.