US Bridges

642 BL-703T / 705R over Rock Creek

PoorPosted for load

Richardson County, Nebraska · 3S 2W SALEM(642B-703/705) · Structure no. C007402505P

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

About this bridge

642 BL-703T / 705R over Rock Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying 642 BL-703T / 705R over Rock 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 65 by 2033. The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries642 BL-703T / 705R
CrossesRock Creek
Location3S 2W SALEM(642B-703/705)
RouteCounty Highway 0P25
CountyRichardson County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.027, -95.7749
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.
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 inspectionJuly 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating13.2 US tons
Inventory rating7.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length126 ft (38.4 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2003)
Projected traffic65 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 642 BL-703T / 705R over Rock Creek built?

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

What condition is 642 BL-703T / 705R over Rock 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does 642 BL-703T / 705R over Rock Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is 642 BL-703T / 705R over Rock Creek?

The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns 642 BL-703T / 705R over Rock Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.