US Bridges

Ush 8 over Balsam Branch Creek

Fair

Polk County, Wisconsin · 1.5M E JCT Sth 65 · Structure no. B48003000000000

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ush 8 over Balsam Branch Creek is a concrete slab carrying Ush 8 over Balsam Branch Creek in Polk County, Wisconsin. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 years old, younger than the Wisconsin average of 40.3 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 6,500 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,120 by 2043. The structure is 37 ft (11.2 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23.6 mi (38 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUsh 8
CrossesBalsam Branch Creek
Location1.5M E JCT Sth 65
RouteU.S. Route 8
CountyPolk County
StateWisconsin
Coordinates45.39579, -92.45969
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66.6 US tons
Inventory rating39.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length37 ft (11.2 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,500 (2022)
Projected traffic11,120 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23.6 mi (38 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ush 8 over Balsam Branch Creek built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ush 8 over Balsam Branch 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Ush 8 over Balsam Branch Creek carry?

About 6,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Ush 8 over Balsam Branch Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.2 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns Ush 8 over Balsam Branch Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.