US Bridges

US136/N4 over Big Blue River

Fair

Gage County, Nebraska · In Beatrice · Structure no. S136 17726

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1975
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
286 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
7,660
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US136/N4 over Big Blue River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US136/N4 over Big Blue River in Gage County, Nebraska. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1975, so it is 88 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.

It carries about 7,660 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,256 by 2038. The structure is 286 ft (87.2 m) long and 56 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS136/N4
CrossesBig Blue River
LocationIn Beatrice
RouteU.S. Route 136
CountyGage County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.2659, -96.7542
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43 US tons
Inventory rating25.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length286 ft (87.2 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width56 ft (17 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,660 (2018)
Projected traffic12,256 by 2038
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 US136/N4 over Big Blue River built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1975.

What condition is US136/N4 over Big Blue River 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 US136/N4 over Big Blue River carry?

About 7,660 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US136/N4 over Big Blue River?

The structure is 286 ft (87.2 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns US136/N4 over Big Blue River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.