US Bridges

County Road 4 over Prairie Creek

FairPosted for load

Merrick County, Nebraska · 3.3W 3.3N Chapman · Structure no. C006110715

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
66 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
25
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 4 over Prairie Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 4 over Prairie Creek in Merrick County, Nebraska. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 6 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 25 vehicles a day, projected to reach 42 by 2035. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road 4
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location3.3W 3.3N Chapman
RouteCounty Highway 107
CountyMerrick County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.0749, -98.2306
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; extensive scour has occurred
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating12.1 US tons
Inventory rating5.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2003)
Projected traffic42 by 2035
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 4 over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 4 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 4 over Prairie Creek carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Road 4 over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 4 over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.