US Bridges

County Highway over N Br Big Blue River

FairPosted for load

Polk County, Nebraska · 3S 1W of Shelby · Structure no. C007204105

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
70 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over N Br Big Blue River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Highway over N Br Big Blue River in Polk 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 85 by 2041. The structure is 70 ft (21.3 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
CrossesN Br Big Blue River
Location3S 1W of Shelby
RouteCounty Highway 41
CountyPolk County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.1461, -97.4454
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating23.1 US tons
Inventory rating14.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length70 ft (21.3 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2003)
Projected traffic85 by 2041
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 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 N Br Big Blue River built?

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

What condition is County Highway over N Br Big 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does County Highway over N Br Big Blue River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Highway over N Br Big Blue River?

The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over N Br Big Blue River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.