US Bridges

N51 over Missouri River/River RD

PoorPosted for load

Burt County, Nebraska · 1E Decatur · Structure no. S051 03644

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel Continuous
Length
1,956 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,970
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

N51 over Missouri River/River RD is a steel continuous truss - thru carrying N51 over Missouri River/River RD in Burt County, Nebraska. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 years old, older than the Nebraska average of 47.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,970 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,660 by 2038. The structure is 1,956 ft (596.2 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 620.7 mi (999 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN51
CrossesMissouri River/River RD
Location1E Decatur
RouteState Highway 51
CountyBurt County
StateNebraska
Coordinates42.0068, -96.2419
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating27.6 US tons
Inventory rating16.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckOpen grating
Main spans2 (+9 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length1,956 ft (596.2 m)
Longest span420 ft (128 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck18 ft (5.4 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,970 (2018)
Projected traffic2,660 by 2038
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed620.7 mi (999 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was N51 over Missouri River/River RD built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is N51 over Missouri River/River RD in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does N51 over Missouri River/River RD carry?

About 1,970 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is N51 over Missouri River/River RD?

The structure is 1,956 ft (596.2 m) long with a longest span of 420 ft (128 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns N51 over Missouri River/River RD?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.