US Bridges

3rd Ave over Big Slough

Poor

Howard County, Nebraska · 2.6S Dannebrog · Structure no. C004704605

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

3rd Ave over Big Slough is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 3rd Ave over Big Slough in Howard County, Nebraska. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 3 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 15 vehicles a day, projected to reach 25 by 2033. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.3 mi (60 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries3rd Ave
CrossesBig Slough
Location2.6S Dannebrog
RouteCounty Highway 46
CountyHoward County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.0756, -98.5448
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.5 US tons
Inventory rating28.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2003)
Projected traffic25 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed37.3 mi (60 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 3rd Ave over Big Slough built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is 3rd Ave over Big Slough 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does 3rd Ave over Big Slough carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is 3rd Ave over Big Slough?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns 3rd Ave over Big Slough?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.