US Bridges

County Road 26 over Cottonwood Creek

PoorPosted for load

Saunders County, Nebraska · .5E 1.5S of Prague · Structure no. C007811340

Built
1910
115 years old, rebuilt 1926
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
120 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 26 over Cottonwood Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying County Road 26 over Cottonwood Creek in Saunders County, Nebraska. It was built in 1910 and reconstructed in 1926, so it is 115 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 3 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 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 34 by 2033. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road 26
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location.5E 1.5S of Prague
RouteCounty Highway 113
CountySaunders County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.2865, -96.794
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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; extensive scour has occurred
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating12.1 US tons
Inventory rating6.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span120 ft (36.6 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2003)
Projected traffic34 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 26 over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1910, making it 115 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1926.

What condition is County Road 26 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 26 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Road 26 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 120 ft (36.6 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 26 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.