US Bridges

485th Ave over Messenger Creek

FairPosted for load

Valley County, Nebraska · 7.5E .5S Ord · Structure no. C008824720

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

485th Ave over Messenger Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 485th Ave over Messenger Creek in Valley County, Nebraska. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 40 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 68 by 2033. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 12.4 mi (20 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries485th Ave
CrossesMessenger Creek
Location7.5E .5S Ord
RouteCounty Highway 247
CountyValley County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.5883, -98.7705
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating13.2 US tons
Inventory rating3.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2003)
Projected traffic68 by 2033
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

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 485th Ave over Messenger Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is 485th Ave over Messenger 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 485th Ave over Messenger Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2003 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is 485th Ave over Messenger Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns 485th Ave over Messenger Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.