US Bridges

County Road E over Big Blue River

PoorClosed to traffic

Butler County, Nebraska · .5E .3S Surprise · Structure no. C001200905

Built
1897
128 years old, rebuilt 1999
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2008
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
66 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road E over Big Blue River is a steel truss - thru carrying County Road E over Big Blue River in Butler County, Nebraska. It was built in 1897 and reconstructed in 1999, so it is 128 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: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 15 vehicles a day, projected to reach 25 by 2033. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road E
CrossesBig Blue River
Location.5E .3S Surprise
RouteCounty Highway 9
CountyButler County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.1009, -97.2917
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2008
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2003)
Projected traffic25 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 statusListed on 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 E over Big Blue River built?

It was built in 1897, making it 128 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1999.

What condition is County Road E over Big Blue River 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 October 2008.

How much traffic does County Road E over Big Blue River carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Road E over Big Blue River?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns County Road E over Big Blue River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.