US Bridges

County Road J over Prairie Creek

GoodPosted for load

Merrick County, Nebraska · 4.5W 2.3N Chapman · Structure no. C006104805

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
61 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
80
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road J over Prairie Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road J 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 80 vehicles a day, projected to reach 136 by 2033. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road J
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location4.5W 2.3N Chapman
RouteCounty Highway 48
CountyMerrick County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.0607, -98.2561
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating12.1 US tons
Inventory rating6.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic80 (2003)
Projected traffic136 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road J over Prairie Creek built?

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

What condition is County Road J over Prairie Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2024.

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

About 80 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Road J over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns County Road J over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.