US Bridges

County Highway over Little Blue River

FairPosted for load

Thayer County, Nebraska · 1.8W 5.3N Deshler · Structure no. C008500725

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1978
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
250 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Little Blue River is a steel truss - thru carrying County Highway over Little Blue River in Thayer County, Nebraska. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1978, so it is 90 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 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 27 by 2033. The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.3 mi (60 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesLittle Blue River
Location1.8W 5.3N Deshler
RouteCounty Highway 7
CountyThayer County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.2198, -97.7649
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating16.5 US tons
Inventory rating9.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length250 ft (76.2 m)
Longest span125 ft (38.1 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck19 ft (5.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2011)
Projected traffic27 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 Little Blue River built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1978.

What condition is County Highway over Little Blue River 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 December 2023.

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

About 10 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is County Highway over Little Blue River?

The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long with a longest span of 125 ft (38.1 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Little Blue River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.