US Bridges

County Highway over Western Canal

Fair

Keith County, Nebraska · 3.2S 2.5W of Brule · Structure no. C005101305

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Western Canal is a concrete channel beam carrying County Highway over Western Canal in Keith County, Nebraska. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 20 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 34 by 2033. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 68.4 mi (110 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesWestern Canal
Location3.2S 2.5W of Brule
RouteCounty Highway 13
CountyKeith County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.0453, -101.9381
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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2003)
Projected traffic34 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed68.4 mi (110 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 County Highway over Western Canal built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway over Western 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 County Highway over Western Canal carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2003 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is County Highway over Western Canal?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Western Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.