US Bridges

548 Ave over N Fk Elkhorn River

PoorPosted for load

Pierce County, Nebraska · 2.5N 2W of Pierce · Structure no. C007002915

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
97 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

548 Ave over N Fk Elkhorn River is a steel truss - thru carrying 548 Ave over N Fk Elkhorn River in Pierce 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 85 by 2033. The structure is 97 ft (29.6 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Carries548 Ave
CrossesN Fk Elkhorn River
Location2.5N 2W of Pierce
RouteCounty Highway 29
Coordinates42.2418, -97.5627
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating19.8 US tons
Inventory rating11 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length97 ft (29.6 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2003)
Projected traffic85 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 548 Ave over N Fk Elkhorn River built?

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

What condition is 548 Ave over N Fk Elkhorn River 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does 548 Ave over N Fk Elkhorn River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is 548 Ave over N Fk Elkhorn River?

The structure is 97 ft (29.6 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns 548 Ave over N Fk Elkhorn River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.