US Bridges

County Road 21 over Sand Creek

FairClosed to traffic

Saunders County, Nebraska · 4.7N 1E of Malmo · Structure no. C007802365

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2021
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
144 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 21 over Sand Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying County Road 21 over Sand Creek in Saunders County, Nebraska. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 68 by 2033. The structure is 144 ft (43.9 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 21
CrossesSand Creek
Location4.7N 1E of Malmo
RouteCounty Highway 23
CountySaunders County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.3383, -96.6983
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2021
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length144 ft (43.9 m)
Longest span105 ft (32 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck12 ft (3.6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2003)
Projected traffic68 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18.6 mi (30 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 Road 21 over Sand Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 21 over Sand 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 July 2021.

How much traffic does County Road 21 over Sand Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Road 21 over Sand Creek?

The structure is 144 ft (43.9 m) long with a longest span of 105 ft (32 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 21 over Sand Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.