US Bridges

County Highway over Big Blue River

PoorPosted for load

Hamilton County, Nebraska · 10N US34 York Cl · Structure no. C004114920

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
61 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Big Blue River is a steel truss - thru carrying County Highway over Big Blue River in Hamilton 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 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 68 by 2033. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesBig Blue River
Location10N US34 York Cl
RouteCounty Highway 149
Coordinates41.0317, -97.8262
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating28.7 US tons
Inventory rating16.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.7 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2003)
Projected traffic68 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 County Highway over Big Blue River built?

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

What condition is County Highway over Big Blue River 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does County Highway over Big Blue River carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Highway over Big Blue River?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Big Blue River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.