US Bridges

S61A Palmer Spur over Elk Creek

Good

Merrick County, Nebraska · 1S Palmer · Structure no. SS61A00097

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,075
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S61A Palmer Spur over Elk Creek is a concrete culvert carrying S61A Palmer Spur over Elk Creek in Merrick County, Nebraska. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 93 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.

It carries about 1,075 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,344 by 2038. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

CarriesS61A Palmer Spur
CrossesElk Creek
Location1S Palmer
RouteState Highway 0S61A
Coordinates41.2049, -98.2511
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36.4 US tons
Inventory rating24.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,075 (2018)
Projected traffic1,344 by 2038
Trucks13%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S61A Palmer Spur over Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is S61A Palmer Spur over Elk 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does S61A Palmer Spur over Elk Creek carry?

About 1,075 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is S61A Palmer Spur over Elk Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns S61A Palmer Spur over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.