US Bridges

N15 over Platte River

Fair

Butler County, Nebraska · 3S Schuyler · Structure no. S015 10547

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,400 ft
11 main spans
Daily traffic
3,015
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

N15 over Platte River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying N15 over Platte River in Butler County, Nebraska. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 66 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 5 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 3,015 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,377 by 2038. The structure is 1,400 ft (426.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 329.3 mi (530 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN15
CrossesPlatte River
Location3S Schuyler
RouteState Highway 15
CountyButler County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.4126, -97.0597
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.1 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans11
Design loadH 20
Structure length1,400 ft (426.7 m)
Longest span127 ft (38.7 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,015 (2018)
Projected traffic3,377 by 2038
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed329.3 mi (530 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was N15 over Platte River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is N15 over Platte 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does N15 over Platte River carry?

About 3,015 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is N15 over Platte River?

The structure is 1,400 ft (426.7 m) long with a longest span of 127 ft (38.7 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns N15 over Platte River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.