US Bridges

24th Road over Cow Creek

PoorPosted for load

Thurston County, Nebraska · 3.5W 1.2N of Walthill · Structure no. C008702725

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
62 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

24th Road over Cow Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying 24th Road over Cow Creek in Thurston County, Nebraska. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 17 by 2033. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries24th Road
CrossesCow Creek
Location3.5W 1.2N of Walthill
RouteCounty Highway 27
CountyThurston County
StateNebraska
Coordinates42.172, -96.57
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating6.6 US tons
Inventory rating4.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2003)
Projected traffic17 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.1 mi (50 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 24th Road over Cow Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is 24th Road over Cow 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 24th Road over Cow Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is 24th Road over Cow Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns 24th Road over Cow Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.