US Bridges

County Road M over Cottonwood Creek

PoorPosted for load

Saunders County, Nebraska · 2S 2.4E of Malmo · Structure no. C007803025

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
62 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road M over Cottonwood Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road M over Cottonwood 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 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 72 by 2033. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road M
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location2S 2.4E of Malmo
RouteCounty Highway 30
CountySaunders County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.2346, -96.6729
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating9.9 US tons
Inventory rating4.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2003)
Projected traffic72 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 M over Cottonwood Creek built?

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

What condition is County Road M over Cottonwood 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does County Road M over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Road M over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns County Road M over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.