US Bridges

County Road O over Prairie Creek

FairPosted for load

Merrick County, Nebraska · 7.3N .5W Chapman · Structure no. C006103805

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
59 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
45
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road O over Prairie Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road O over Prairie Creek in Merrick 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 45 vehicles a day, projected to reach 76 by 2033. The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road O
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location7.3N .5W Chapman
RouteCounty Highway 38
CountyMerrick County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.1332, -98.1762
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating14.3 US tons
Inventory rating7.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length59 ft (18 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road O over Prairie Creek built?

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

What condition is County Road O over Prairie 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does County Road O over Prairie Creek carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Road O over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns County Road O over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.