US Bridges

838th RD over Elkhorn River Trib

Fair

Madison County, Nebraska · 1.5S 3.5E of Battle Creek · Structure no. C005901820

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
39 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

838th RD over Elkhorn River Trib is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 838th RD over Elkhorn River Trib in Madison County, Nebraska. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 72 by 2033. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

Carries838th RD
CrossesElkhorn River Trib
Location1.5S 3.5E of Battle Creek
RouteCounty Highway 18
Coordinates41.9745, -97.533
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2003)
Projected traffic72 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 838th RD over Elkhorn River Trib built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is 838th RD over Elkhorn River Trib 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does 838th RD over Elkhorn River Trib carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is 838th RD over Elkhorn River Trib?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns 838th RD over Elkhorn River Trib?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.