US Bridges

Road 29 over Bates Branch

FairPosted for load

Saunders County, Nebraska · .5W of Valpraiso · Structure no. C007810705

Built
1970
55 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
92 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Road 29 over Bates Branch is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Road 29 over Bates Branch in Saunders County, Nebraska. It was built in 1970 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 55 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 170 by 2033. The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoad 29
CrossesBates Branch
Location.5W of Valpraiso
RouteCounty Highway 107
CountySaunders County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.0818, -96.8511
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating36.4 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length92 ft (28 m)
Longest span88 ft (26.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2003)
Projected traffic170 by 2033
Trucks10%
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 Road 29 over Bates Branch built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is Road 29 over Bates Branch 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Road 29 over Bates Branch carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2003 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Road 29 over Bates Branch?

The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long with a longest span of 88 ft (26.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Road 29 over Bates Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.