US Bridges

US159 over Missouri River/Ash ST

Fair

Richardson County, Nebraska · Ecl Rulo · Structure no. S159 01373

Built
2011
14 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
2,401 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,005
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US159 over Missouri River/Ash ST is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US159 over Missouri River/Ash ST in Richardson County, Nebraska. It was built in 2011, so it is 14 years old, younger 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 1,005 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,357 by 2038. The structure is 2,401 ft (731.8 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 620.7 mi (999 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS159
CrossesMissouri River/Ash ST
LocationEcl Rulo
RouteU.S. Route 159
CountyRichardson County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.052, -95.421
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Operating rating30.9 US tons
Inventory rating23.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+10 approach)
Design loadHL 93
Structure length2,401 ft (731.8 m)
Longest span426 ft (129.8 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,005 (2018)
Projected traffic1,357 by 2038
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed620.7 mi (999 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US159 over Missouri River/Ash ST built?

It was built in 2011, making it 14 years old in 2025.

What condition is US159 over Missouri River/Ash ST 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does US159 over Missouri River/Ash ST carry?

About 1,005 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US159 over Missouri River/Ash ST?

The structure is 2,401 ft (731.8 m) long with a longest span of 426 ft (129.8 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US159 over Missouri River/Ash ST?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.