US Bridges

County Highway over Owl Creek

FairPosted for load

Otoe County, Nebraska · 7N 5.4W Syracuse · Structure no. C006600440

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Owl Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Highway over Owl Creek in Otoe 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 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 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesOwl Creek
Location7N 5.4W Syracuse
RouteCounty Highway 4
CountyOtoe County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.7697, -96.2916
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating12.1 US tons
Inventory rating7.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 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 closed31.1 mi (50 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over Owl Creek built?

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

What condition is County Highway over Owl 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 2024.

How much traffic does County Highway over Owl Creek carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Highway over Owl Creek?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Owl Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.