US Bridges

County Highway over Scotch Branch

PoorPosted for load

Nemaha County, Nebraska · 2S 2W of Auburn · Structure no. C006432605

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Scotch Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Highway over Scotch Branch in Nemaha 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 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 34 by 2033. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesScotch Branch
Location2S 2W of Auburn
RouteCounty Highway 326
CountyNemaha County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.3492, -95.8791
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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating5.5 US tons
Inventory rating3.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2003)
Projected traffic34 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18.6 mi (30 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 Scotch Branch built?

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

What condition is County Highway over Scotch Branch 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does County Highway over Scotch Branch carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Highway over Scotch Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Scotch Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.