US Bridges

I80 over Kearney Canal

Fair

Buffalo County, Nebraska · 3E Holdrege Intrchg · Structure no. S080 25947L

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
71 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20,630
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I80 over Kearney Canal is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I80 over Kearney Canal in Buffalo County, Nebraska. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1981, so it is 62 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 20,630 vehicles a day, roughly 36% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,693 by 2038. The structure is 71 ft (21.6 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 12.4 mi (20 km).

CarriesI80
CrossesKearney Canal
Location3E Holdrege Intrchg
RouteInterstate 80
Coordinates40.6893, -99.3338
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73.9 US tons
Inventory rating44.1 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length71 ft (21.6 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.7 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,630 (2018)
Projected traffic22,693 by 2038
Trucks36%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed12.4 mi (20 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I80 over Kearney Canal built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1981.

What condition is I80 over Kearney Canal 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 I80 over Kearney Canal carry?

About 20,630 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 36% are trucks.

How long is I80 over Kearney Canal?

The structure is 71 ft (21.6 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I80 over Kearney Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.