US Bridges

County Highway over Dry Branch

PoorPosted for load

Pawnee County, Nebraska · 4E 1.2S of Pawnee City · Structure no. C006704305

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
61 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
30
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Dry Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Highway over Dry Branch in Pawnee 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 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 51 by 2033. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesDry Branch
Location4E 1.2S of Pawnee City
RouteCounty Highway 43
Coordinates40.0925, -96.0672
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
Deck3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating19.8 US tons
Inventory rating12.1 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.6 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2003)
Projected traffic51 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 Dry Branch built?

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

What condition is County Highway over Dry 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does County Highway over Dry Branch carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Highway over Dry Branch?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Dry Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.