US Bridges

County Highway over W Fk Big Blue River

PoorPosted for load

Seward County, Nebraska · 3.2S 5W of Milford · Structure no. C008002305

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
138 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
45
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over W Fk Big Blue River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Highway over W Fk Big Blue River in Seward County, Nebraska. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 45 vehicles a day, projected to reach 65 by 2033. The structure is 138 ft (42.1 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesW Fk Big Blue River
Location3.2S 5W of Milford
RouteCounty Highway 23
Coordinates40.7222, -97.1587
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
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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating9.9 US tons
Inventory rating5.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length138 ft (42.1 m)
Longest span66 ft (20.1 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45 (2003)
Projected traffic65 by 2033
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 W Fk Big Blue River built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway over W Fk 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 2023.

How much traffic does County Highway over W Fk Big Blue River carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Highway over W Fk Big Blue River?

The structure is 138 ft (42.1 m) long with a longest span of 66 ft (20.1 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over W Fk Big Blue River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.