US Bridges

Road 5500 over Big Sandy Creek

FairPosted for load

Thayer County, Nebraska · 5E .4S Davenport · Structure no. C008511320

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Road 5500 over Big Sandy Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Road 5500 over Big Sandy Creek in Thayer County, Nebraska. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1983, 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 13 by 2033. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoad 5500
CrossesBig Sandy Creek
Location5E .4S Davenport
RouteCounty Highway 113
CountyThayer County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.3003, -97.7077
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating6.6 US tons
Inventory rating4.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2003)
Projected traffic13 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Road 5500 over Big Sandy Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.

What condition is Road 5500 over Big Sandy Creek 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 Road 5500 over Big Sandy Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is Road 5500 over Big Sandy Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Road 5500 over Big Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.