US Bridges

N4 over Big Blue Trib

Poor

Gage County, Nebraska · 1W Beatrice · Structure no. S004 15513

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
51 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,880
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

N4 over Big Blue Trib is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying N4 over Big Blue Trib in Gage County, Nebraska. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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.

It carries about 1,880 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,256 by 2038. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 12.4 mi (20 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN4
CrossesBig Blue Trib
Location1W Beatrice
RouteState Highway 4
CountyGage County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.2778, -96.7829
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.5 US tons
Inventory rating28.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,880 (2018)
Projected traffic2,256 by 2038
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed12.4 mi (20 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 N4 over Big Blue Trib built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is N4 over Big Blue Trib 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does N4 over Big Blue Trib carry?

About 1,880 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is N4 over Big Blue Trib?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns N4 over Big Blue Trib?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.