US Bridges

County Highway over Little Blue River

Fair

Nuckolls County, Nebraska · .5W 9.2N Nelson · Structure no. C006522135

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
151 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
30
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Little Blue River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Highway over Little Blue River in Nuckolls County, Nebraska. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 2033. The structure is 151 ft (46 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesLittle Blue River
Location.5W 9.2N Nelson
RouteCounty Highway 221
CountyNuckolls County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.3417, -98.085
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length151 ft (46 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2003)
Projected traffic51 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over Little Blue River built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway over Little Blue River 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 August 2024.

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

About 30 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Highway over Little Blue River?

The structure is 151 ft (46 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Little Blue River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.