US Bridges

Road Z over Little Blue River

FairPosted for load

Webster County, Nebraska · .5N .2W Bladen · Structure no. C009100405

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
61 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Road Z over Little Blue River is a steel truss - thru carrying Road Z over Little Blue River in Webster County, Nebraska. It was built in 1935, 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 6 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 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 51 by 2033. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.3 mi (60 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoad Z
CrossesLittle Blue River
Location.5N .2W Bladen
RouteCounty Highway 4
CountyWebster County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.3357, -98.6075
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating7.7 US tons
Inventory rating5.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2003)
Projected traffic51 by 2033
Trucks0%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Road Z over Little Blue River built?

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

What condition is Road Z over Little Blue 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Road Z over Little Blue River carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is Road Z over Little Blue River?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Road Z over Little Blue River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.