US Bridges

County Highway over Shell Creek

Fair

Madison County, Nebraska · 2N 2W of Newman Grove · Structure no. C005900310

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
99 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Shell Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Highway over Shell Creek in Madison County, Nebraska. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 72 by 2033. The structure is 99 ft (30.2 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesShell Creek
Location2N 2W of Newman Grove
RouteCounty Highway 3
CountyMadison County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.7783, -97.8133
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.1 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+1 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length99 ft (30.2 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2003)
Projected traffic72 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18.6 mi (30 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 Shell Creek built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway over Shell 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does County Highway over Shell Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Highway over Shell Creek?

The structure is 99 ft (30.2 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Shell Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.