US Bridges

N15 over Plum Creek

Fair

Wayne County, Nebraska · 7S Wayne · Structure no. S015 15738

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
88 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,965
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

N15 over Plum Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying N15 over Plum Creek in Wayne County, Nebraska. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 88 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 2,965 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,448 by 2038. The structure is 88 ft (26.8 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 298.3 mi (480 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN15
CrossesPlum Creek
Location7S Wayne
RouteState Highway 15
CountyWayne County
StateNebraska
Coordinates42.1309, -97.018
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65 US tons
Inventory rating38.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length88 ft (26.8 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,965 (2018)
Projected traffic4,448 by 2038
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed298.3 mi (480 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 N15 over Plum Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is N15 over Plum 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does N15 over Plum Creek carry?

About 2,965 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is N15 over Plum Creek?

The structure is 88 ft (26.8 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns N15 over Plum Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.