US Bridges

Road E over Cottonwood Creek

FairPosted for load

Nuckolls County, Nebraska · 2N 7W Superior · Structure no. C006504220

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
51 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Road E over Cottonwood Creek is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Road E over Cottonwood Creek in Nuckolls County, Nebraska. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1992, 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 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 51 by 2033. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

Location

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CarriesRoad E
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location2N 7W Superior
RouteCounty Highway 42
CountyNuckolls County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.0604, -98.1952
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating24.3 US tons
Inventory rating14.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2003)
Projected traffic51 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 Road E over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is Road E 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Road E over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is Road E over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Road E over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.