US Bridges

N12 over Ponca Creek

Poor

Knox County, Nebraska · 1E Verdel · Structure no. S012 15184

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
282 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
545
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

N12 over Ponca Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying N12 over Ponca Creek in Knox County, Nebraska. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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.

It carries about 545 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 709 by 2038. The structure is 282 ft (86 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.3 mi (60 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN12
CrossesPonca Creek
Location1E Verdel
RouteState Highway 12
CountyKnox County
StateNebraska
Coordinates42.8109, -98.1757
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43 US tons
Inventory rating25.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length282 ft (86 m)
Longest span120 ft (36.6 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic545 (2018)
Projected traffic709 by 2038
Trucks11%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 N12 over Ponca Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is N12 over Ponca 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does N12 over Ponca Creek carry?

About 545 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is N12 over Ponca Creek?

The structure is 282 ft (86 m) long with a longest span of 120 ft (36.6 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns N12 over Ponca Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.