US Bridges

N53 over Big Sandy Creek

Good

Thayer County, Nebraska · 1S Alexandria · Structure no. S053 00610

Built
2020
5 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
185 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
235
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

N53 over Big Sandy Creek is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying N53 over Big Sandy Creek in Thayer County, Nebraska. It was built in 2020, so it is 5 years old, younger than the Nebraska average of 47.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 9 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 235 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 306 by 2038. The structure is 185 ft (56.4 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.3 mi (60 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN53
CrossesBig Sandy Creek
Location1S Alexandria
RouteState Highway 53
CountyThayer County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.2354, -97.3884
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52.9 US tons
Inventory rating40.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length185 ft (56.4 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.5 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic235 (2018)
Projected traffic306 by 2038
Trucks11%
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 N53 over Big Sandy Creek built?

It was built in 2020, making it 5 years old in 2025.

What condition is N53 over Big Sandy Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does N53 over Big Sandy Creek carry?

About 235 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is N53 over Big Sandy Creek?

The structure is 185 ft (56.4 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns N53 over Big Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.