US Bridges

537th RD over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Madison County, Nebraska · 4.5S 2W of Meadow Grove · Structure no. C005900735

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

537th RD over Buffalo Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 537th RD over Buffalo Creek in Madison County, Nebraska. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 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 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 58 by 2033. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries537th RD
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location4.5S 2W of Meadow Grove
RouteCounty Highway 7
CountyMadison County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.9607, -97.7755
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating86 US tons
Inventory rating50.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2003)
Projected traffic58 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 537th RD over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is 537th RD over Buffalo 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does 537th RD over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is 537th RD over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns 537th RD over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.