US Bridges

US73 over Goolsby Creek

Fair

Richardson County, Nebraska · 5N Falls City · Structure no. S073 01103

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
183 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,020
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US73 over Goolsby Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US73 over Goolsby Creek in Richardson 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 2,020 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,424 by 2038. The structure is 183 ft (55.8 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS73
CrossesGoolsby Creek
Location5N Falls City
RouteU.S. Route 73
CountyRichardson County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.1456, -95.6239
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.1 US tons
Inventory rating33.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length183 ft (55.8 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,020 (2018)
Projected traffic2,424 by 2038
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.1 mi (50 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 over Goolsby Creek built?

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

What condition is US73 over Goolsby Creek 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 US73 over Goolsby Creek carry?

About 2,020 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US73 over Goolsby Creek?

The structure is 183 ft (55.8 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US73 over Goolsby Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.