US Bridges

539th Ave over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Madison County, Nebraska · JCT US275/N45 5E 1S · Structure no. C005901115

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
109 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
335
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

539th Ave over Buffalo Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 539th Ave over Buffalo Creek in Madison County, Nebraska. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 years old, older 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 335 vehicles a day, projected to reach 335 by 2031. The structure is 109 ft (33.2 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 80.8 mi (130 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries539th Ave
CrossesBuffalo Creek
LocationJCT US275/N45 5E 1S
RouteCounty Highway 2895
CountyMadison County
StateNebraska
Coordinates42.034, -97.7372
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.8 US tons
Inventory rating24.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length109 ft (33.2 m)
Longest span59 ft (18 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic335 (2011)
Projected traffic335 by 2031
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed80.8 mi (130 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 539th Ave over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is 539th Ave 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 539th Ave over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 335 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is 539th Ave over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 109 ft (33.2 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (18 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns 539th Ave over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.