US Bridges

N32 over Union Creek

Poor

Madison County, Nebraska · 0W Madison · Structure no. S032 03409

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 2014
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
176 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,045
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

N32 over Union Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying N32 over Union Creek in Madison County, Nebraska. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 2014, so it is 68 years old, older than the Nebraska average of 47.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 2,045 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,556 by 2038. The structure is 176 ft (53.6 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 12.4 mi (20 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN32
CrossesUnion Creek
Location0W Madison
RouteState Highway 32
CountyMadison County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.8284, -97.4696
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.9 US tons
Inventory rating25.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length176 ft (53.6 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,045 (2018)
Projected traffic2,556 by 2038
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed12.4 mi (20 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 N32 over Union Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2014.

What condition is N32 over Union Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

How much traffic does N32 over Union Creek carry?

About 2,045 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is N32 over Union Creek?

The structure is 176 ft (53.6 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns N32 over Union Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.