US Bridges

County Highway over Balls Branch

Fair

Thayer County, Nebraska · .5W 2S Gilead · Structure no. C008504310

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Balls Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Highway over Balls Branch in Thayer County, Nebraska. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 67 by 2033. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesBalls Branch
Location.5W 2S Gilead
RouteCounty Highway 43
CountyThayer County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.105, -97.425
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.3 US tons
Inventory rating34.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2003)
Projected traffic67 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 Balls Branch built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway over Balls 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does County Highway over Balls Branch carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Highway over Balls Branch?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Balls Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.