US Bridges

Fdr 259 over Middle Loup River

Fair

Thomas County, Nebraska · 1.3 Mi. E. of Thedford · Structure no. 020701000003001

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
77 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
30
1994 count
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

Fdr 259 over Middle Loup River is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Fdr 259 over Middle Loup River in Thomas County, Nebraska. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 6 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 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 45 by 2045. The structure is 77 ft (23.4 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFdr 259
CrossesMiddle Loup River
Location1.3 Mi. E. of Thedford
RouteFederal Lands Road 259
CountyThomas County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.97726, -100.51087
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating30.8 US tons
Inventory rating23.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length77 ft (23.4 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.7 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (1994)
Projected traffic45 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Fdr 259 over Middle Loup River built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Fdr 259 over Middle Loup River 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Fdr 259 over Middle Loup River carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (1994 count).

How long is Fdr 259 over Middle Loup River?

The structure is 77 ft (23.4 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Fdr 259 over Middle Loup River?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.