US Bridges

County Highway over N Br Big Blue River

PoorPosted for load

Polk County, Nebraska · 4.5E 1S of Polk · Structure no. C007204605

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
50 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
30
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 1950, so it is 75 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 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 51 by 2041. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesN Br Big Blue River
Location4.5E 1S of Polk
RouteCounty Highway 46
CountyPolk County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.0617, -97.6917
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; extensive scour has occurred
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating26.5 US tons
Inventory rating16.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2003)
Projected traffic51 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 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway over N Br Big Blue River 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 N Br Big Blue River carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2003 count).

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

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 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.