US Bridges

US77 over Bills Creek

Fair

Gage County, Nebraska · 2W Blue Springs · Structure no. S077 01143

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
82 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,870
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US77 over Bills Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US77 over Bills Creek in Gage County, Nebraska. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 68 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 2,870 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,875 by 2038. The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS77
CrossesBills Creek
Location2W Blue Springs
RouteU.S. Route 77
CountyGage County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.1394, -96.705
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.3 US tons
Inventory rating47.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length82 ft (25 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,870 (2018)
Projected traffic3,875 by 2038
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.1 mi (50 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US77 over Bills Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is US77 over Bills 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US77 over Bills Creek carry?

About 2,870 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US77 over Bills Creek?

The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US77 over Bills Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.