US Bridges

838th RD over Buffalo Creek

FairPosted for load

Madison County, Nebraska · 3.5S 1W of Meadow Grove · Structure no. C005901805

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
61 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
35
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

838th RD over Buffalo Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 838th RD over Buffalo Creek in Madison County, Nebraska. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 35 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2033. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries838th RD
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location3.5S 1W of Meadow Grove
RouteCounty Highway 18
CountyMadison County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.9744, -97.7564
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating32 US tons
Inventory rating18.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span59 ft (18 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35 (2003)
Projected traffic50 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 838th RD over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is 838th 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 838th RD over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 35 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is 838th RD over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (18 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns 838th RD over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.