US Bridges

County Highway over Balls Branch

FairPosted for load

Thayer County, Nebraska · .3E 3S Gilead · Structure no. C008514505

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
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 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 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 27 by 2033. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 29 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.3E 3S Gilead
RouteCounty Highway 145
CountyThayer County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.1, -97.4067
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.6 US tons
Inventory rating23.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2003)
Projected traffic27 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over Balls Branch built?

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

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 20 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Highway over Balls Branch?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Balls Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.