US Bridges

County Highway over Balls Branch

FairPosted for load

Thayer County, Nebraska · .3W 2.7S Gilead · Structure no. C008533615

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25
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 1968, so it is 57 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 25 vehicles a day, projected to reach 33 by 2033. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 21 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.3W 2.7S Gilead
RouteCounty Highway 336
CountyThayer County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.1036, -97.4219
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating5.5 US tons
Inventory rating3.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.3 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2003)
Projected traffic33 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 County Highway over Balls Branch built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 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 25 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Highway over Balls Branch?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Balls Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.