US Bridges

538th Ave over Shell Creek

Fair

Madison County, Nebraska · 1E of Newman Grove · Structure no. C005900905

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
65 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
60
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

538th Ave over Shell Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 538th Ave over Shell Creek in Madison County, Nebraska. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 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 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 87 by 2033. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries538th Ave
CrossesShell Creek
Location1E of Newman Grove
RouteCounty Highway 9
CountyMadison County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.7451, -97.7552
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2003)
Projected traffic87 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.1 mi (50 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 538th Ave over Shell Creek built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is 538th Ave 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does 538th Ave over Shell Creek carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is 538th Ave over Shell Creek?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns 538th Ave over Shell Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.