US Bridges

County Highway over Union Creek

FairPosted for load

Madison County, Nebraska · 1E of Madison · Structure no. C005904315

Built
1915
110 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
100 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Union Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying County Highway over Union Creek in Madison County, Nebraska. It was built in 1915, so it is 110 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 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 34 by 2030. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesUnion Creek
Location1E of Madison
RouteCounty Highway 43
CountyMadison County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.8303, -97.4261
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating12.1 US tons
Inventory rating6.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2003)
Projected traffic34 by 2030
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 County Highway over Union Creek built?

It was built in 1915, making it 110 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway over Union 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does County Highway over Union Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Highway over Union Creek?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Union Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.