US Bridges

County Highway over Big Blue River

PoorPosted for load

Seward County, Nebraska · 4S 2.5E of Milford · Structure no. C008003905P

Built
1920
105 years old, rebuilt 1973
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
102 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Big Blue River is a steel truss - thru carrying County Highway over Big Blue River in Seward County, Nebraska. It was built in 1920 and reconstructed in 1973, so it is 105 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 85 by 2033. The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.3 mi (60 km).

CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesBig Blue River
Location4S 2.5E of Milford
RouteCounty Highway 0P39
Coordinates40.7106, -96.9968
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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating11 US tons
Inventory rating6.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length102 ft (31.1 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2003)
Projected traffic85 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed37.3 mi (60 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 Big Blue River built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1973.

What condition is County Highway over 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 June 2023.

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

About 50 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Highway over Big Blue River?

The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Big Blue River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.