US Bridges

638 BLV-702/703 RD over Rattlesnake Creek

PoorPosted for load

Richardson County, Nebraska · 8S .5W DAW(638B-702/703R) · Structure no. C007401705P

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
52 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
25
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

638 BLV-702/703 RD over Rattlesnake Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 638 BLV-702/703 RD over Rattlesnake Creek in Richardson 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 25 vehicles a day, projected to reach 42 by 2040. The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

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Carries638 BLV-702/703 RD
CrossesRattlesnake Creek
Location8S .5W DAW(638B-702/703R)
RouteCounty Highway 0P17
CountyRichardson County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.0047, -95.8487
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating12.1 US tons
Inventory rating6.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length52 ft (15.8 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.7 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2023)
Projected traffic42 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 638 BLV-702/703 RD over Rattlesnake Creek built?

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

What condition is 638 BLV-702/703 RD over Rattlesnake 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 638 BLV-702/703 RD over Rattlesnake Creek carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is 638 BLV-702/703 RD over Rattlesnake Creek?

The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns 638 BLV-702/703 RD over Rattlesnake Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.