US Bridges

N79 over Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Saunders County, Nebraska · 1N Prague · Structure no. S079 03108

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
91 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,495
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

N79 over Cottonwood Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying N79 over Cottonwood Creek in Saunders County, Nebraska. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 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 1,495 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,317 by 2038. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 12.4 mi (20 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN79
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location1N Prague
RouteState Highway 79
CountySaunders County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.3167, -96.8132
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.5 US tons
Inventory rating27.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,495 (2018)
Projected traffic2,317 by 2038
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed12.4 mi (20 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 N79 over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is N79 over Cottonwood 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does N79 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 1,495 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is N79 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns N79 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.