US Bridges

550th ST over Cottonwood Creek

FairPosted for load

Nance County, Nebraska · 14W 1S of Fullerton · Structure no. C006302605

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
60 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

550th ST over Cottonwood Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 550th ST over Cottonwood Creek in Nance County, Nebraska. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, younger 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 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 51 by 2041. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 142.9 mi (230 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries550th ST
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location14W 1S of Fullerton
RouteCounty Highway 26
CountyNance County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.351, -98.2555
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.5 US tons
Inventory rating23.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span59 ft (18 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2003)
Projected traffic51 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed142.9 mi (230 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 550th ST over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is 550th ST over Cottonwood 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does 550th ST over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is 550th ST over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (18 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns 550th ST over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.