US Bridges

538th ST over Shell Creek Trib

PoorPosted for load

Madison County, Nebraska · 1E of Newman Grove · Structure no. C005900910

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
60
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

538th ST over Shell Creek Trib is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 538th ST over Shell Creek Trib in Madison County, Nebraska. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 87 by 2030. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries538th ST
CrossesShell Creek Trib
Location1E of Newman Grove
RouteCounty Highway 9
CountyMadison County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.751, -97.755
Functional classRural Local

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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating9.9 US tons
Inventory rating5.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2003)
Projected traffic87 by 2030
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 538th ST over Shell Creek Trib built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is 538th ST over Shell Creek Trib 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does 538th ST over Shell Creek Trib carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is 538th ST over Shell Creek Trib?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns 538th ST over Shell Creek Trib?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.