US Bridges

16th Avenue over Farwell Central Canal

Fair

Howard County, Nebraska · 1S 6.4W Elba · Structure no. C004702005

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
44 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

16th Avenue over Farwell Central Canal is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 16th Avenue over Farwell Central Canal in Howard County, Nebraska. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 51 by 2030. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 62.1 mi (100 km).

Location

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Carries16th Avenue
CrossesFarwell Central Canal
Location1S 6.4W Elba
RouteCounty Highway 20
CountyHoward County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.265, -98.6983
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60.6 US tons
Inventory rating37.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width23 ft (6.9 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2003)
Projected traffic51 by 2030
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed62.1 mi (100 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 16th Avenue over Farwell Central Canal built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is 16th Avenue over Farwell Central 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does 16th Avenue over Farwell Central Canal carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is 16th Avenue over Farwell Central Canal?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns 16th Avenue over Farwell Central Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.