US Bridges

US159 over Old Channel Muddy Creek

Fair

Richardson County, Nebraska · 3E Falls City · Structure no. S159 00816

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
123 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,160
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US159 over Old Channel Muddy Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying US159 over Old Channel Muddy Creek in Richardson County, Nebraska. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 years old, younger 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 2,160 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,808 by 2038. The structure is 123 ft (37.5 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.3 mi (60 km).

CarriesUS159
CrossesOld Channel Muddy Creek
Location3E Falls City
RouteU.S. Route 159
Coordinates40.0579, -95.5259
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating92.6 US tons
Inventory rating55.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length123 ft (37.5 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,160 (2018)
Projected traffic2,808 by 2038
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed37.3 mi (60 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US159 over Old Channel Muddy Creek built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is US159 over Old Channel Muddy 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US159 over Old Channel Muddy Creek carry?

About 2,160 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US159 over Old Channel Muddy Creek?

The structure is 123 ft (37.5 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US159 over Old Channel Muddy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.