US Bridges

County Highway over Prairie Creek

FairPosted for load

Merrick County, Nebraska · 5W 4N Clarks · Structure no. C006111805

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
61 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Prairie Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying County Highway over Prairie Creek in Merrick County, Nebraska. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 34 by 2033. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location5W 4N Clarks
RouteCounty Highway 118
CountyMerrick County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.2785, -97.94
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.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating15.4 US tons
Inventory rating8.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span59 ft (18 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2003)
Projected traffic34 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18.6 mi (30 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 Highway over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway 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 Highway over Prairie Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Highway over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (18 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.