US Bridges

Sweetwater Ave over Platte River

Good

Buffalo County, Nebraska · 4SE of Kearney · Structure no. C001004503

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
100 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
20
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sweetwater Ave over Platte River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sweetwater Ave over Platte River in Buffalo County, Nebraska. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 25 by 2042. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 12.4 mi (20 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSweetwater Ave
CrossesPlatte River
Location4SE of Kearney
RouteCounty Highway 45
CountyBuffalo County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.6707, -99.0085
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating91.5 US tons
Inventory rating55.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2022)
Projected traffic25 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed12.4 mi (20 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sweetwater Ave over Platte River built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sweetwater Ave over Platte River 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does Sweetwater Ave over Platte River carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Sweetwater Ave over Platte River?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Sweetwater Ave over Platte River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.