US Bridges

N4 over Little Sandy Creek

Fair

Thayer County, Nebraska · 4W Daykin · Structure no. S004 12226

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
107 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
860
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

N4 over Little Sandy Creek is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying N4 over Little Sandy Creek in Thayer County, Nebraska. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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.

It carries about 860 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,247 by 2038. The structure is 107 ft (32.6 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.3 mi (60 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN4
CrossesLittle Sandy Creek
Location4W Daykin
RouteState Highway 4
CountyThayer County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.3213, -97.3751
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81.6 US tons
Inventory rating48.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length107 ft (32.6 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic860 (2018)
Projected traffic1,247 by 2038
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed37.3 mi (60 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 N4 over Little Sandy Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is N4 over Little 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does N4 over Little Sandy Creek carry?

About 860 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is N4 over Little Sandy Creek?

The structure is 107 ft (32.6 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns N4 over Little Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.