US Bridges

County Highway over Prairie Creek

Fair

Merrick County, Nebraska · 8E .2S of Palmer · Structure no. C006112110

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
87 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
60
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Prairie Creek is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying County Highway 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.

It carries about 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 102 by 2033. The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location8E .2S of Palmer
RouteCounty Highway 121
CountyMerrick County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.215, -98.0967
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating36.4 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length87 ft (26.5 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2003)
Projected traffic102 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 Highway over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does County Highway over Prairie Creek carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Highway over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.