US Bridges

County Highway over Prairie Slough

Fair

Merrick County, Nebraska · 6S 1.25E Palmer · Structure no. C006103803

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
45
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Prairie Slough is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying County Highway over Prairie Slough in Merrick County, Nebraska. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 45 vehicles a day, projected to reach 76 by 2033. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesPrairie Slough
Location6S 1.25E Palmer
RouteCounty Highway 38
CountyMerrick County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.1333, -98.225
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.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.8 US tons
Inventory rating37.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45 (2003)
Projected traffic76 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over Prairie Slough built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway over Prairie Slough 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does County Highway over Prairie Slough carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Highway over Prairie Slough?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Prairie Slough?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.