US Bridges

County Highway over Cottonwood Creek

PoorPosted for load

Nance County, Nebraska · 13W 6S of Fullerton · Structure no. C006303605

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Cottonwood Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Highway over Cottonwood Creek in Nance 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 68 by 2041. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location13W 6S of Fullerton
RouteCounty Highway 36
CountyNance County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.2783, -98.2333
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; extensive scour has occurred
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32 US tons
Inventory rating18.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2003)
Projected traffic68 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 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 Cottonwood Creek built?

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

What condition is County Highway over Cottonwood Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does County Highway over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Highway over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.