US Bridges

County Highway over Big Sandy Creek

PoorPosted for load

Clay County, Nebraska · 3E Fairfield · Structure no. C001802705

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
20
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Big Sandy Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Highway over Big Sandy Creek in Clay 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 3 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 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 34 by 2041. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesBig Sandy Creek
Location3E Fairfield
RouteCounty Highway 27
CountyClay County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.4326, -98.033
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.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating22 US tons
Inventory rating13.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2003)
Projected traffic34 by 2041
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over Big Sandy Creek built?

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

What condition is County Highway over Big Sandy 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does County Highway over Big Sandy Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Highway over Big Sandy Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Big Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.