US Bridges

538th Ave over Shell Creek Trib

Good

Madison County, Nebraska · 1N 1E of Newman Grove · Structure no. C005900915

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

538th Ave over Shell Creek Trib is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 538th Ave over Shell Creek Trib in Madison County, Nebraska. It was built in 2001, so it is 24 years old, younger than the Nebraska average of 47.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 43 by 2033. The structure is 36 ft (11 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 Trib
Location1N 1E of Newman Grove
RouteCounty Highway 9
CountyMadison County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.774, -97.755
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73.9 US tons
Inventory rating44.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2003)
Projected traffic43 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 538th Ave over Shell Creek Trib built?

It was built in 2001, making it 24 years old in 2025.

What condition is 538th Ave over Shell Creek Trib in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

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

About 30 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is 538th Ave over Shell Creek Trib?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns 538th Ave over Shell Creek Trib?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.