US Bridges

US73/US159 over Big Nemaha River

Good

Richardson County, Nebraska · 1S Falls City · Structure no. S073 00248

Built
1981
44 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
380 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,860
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US73/US159 over Big Nemaha River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US73/US159 over Big Nemaha River in Richardson County, Nebraska. It was built in 1981 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 44 years old, younger than the Nebraska average of 47.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,860 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,325 by 2038. The structure is 380 ft (115.8 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS73/US159
CrossesBig Nemaha River
Location1S Falls City
RouteU.S. Route 73
CountyRichardson County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.0361, -95.5958
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating37.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length380 ft (115.8 m)
Longest span148 ft (45.1 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,860 (2018)
Projected traffic2,325 by 2038
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US73/US159 over Big Nemaha River built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is US73/US159 over Big Nemaha River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does US73/US159 over Big Nemaha River carry?

About 1,860 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US73/US159 over Big Nemaha River?

The structure is 380 ft (115.8 m) long with a longest span of 148 ft (45.1 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US73/US159 over Big Nemaha River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.