US Bridges

31st RD over Franklin Canal

FairPosted for load

Franklin County, Nebraska · 31 & Hiway 136 · Structure no. C003122305

Built
1952
73 years old, rebuilt 1978
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
43 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
60
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

31st RD over Franklin Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 31st RD over Franklin Canal in Franklin County, Nebraska. It was built in 1952 and reconstructed in 1978, so it is 73 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 5 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 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 102 by 2042. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

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Carries31st RD
CrossesFranklin Canal
Location31 & Hiway 136
RouteCounty Highway 223
CountyFranklin County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.1039, -98.9714
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.6 US tons
Inventory rating23.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2003)
Projected traffic102 by 2042
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 31st RD over Franklin Canal built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1978.

What condition is 31st RD over Franklin Canal 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 2023.

How much traffic does 31st RD over Franklin Canal carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is 31st RD over Franklin Canal?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns 31st RD over Franklin Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.