US Bridges

N14 over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Nuckolls County, Nebraska · 8.2N Nelson · Structure no. S014 02465

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
48 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,585
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

N14 over Buffalo Creek is a concrete slab carrying N14 over Buffalo Creek in Nuckolls County, Nebraska. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 88 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 6 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 1,585 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,219 by 2038. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN14
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location8.2N Nelson
RouteState Highway 14
CountyNuckolls County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.3406, -98.0672
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.8 US tons
Inventory rating30.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,585 (2018)
Projected traffic2,219 by 2038
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18.6 mi (30 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was N14 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is N14 over Buffalo 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does N14 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 1,585 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is N14 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns N14 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.