US Bridges

Old US34 over Missouri River

PoorPosted for load

Cass County, Nebraska · 2E Plattsmouth · Structure no. S034 38208

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 2008
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel Continuous
Length
1,413 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,385
2012 count
Owner
Local
Other Local Agency

About this bridge

Old US34 over Missouri River is a steel continuous truss - thru carrying Old US34 over Missouri River in Cass County, Nebraska. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 2008, so it is 96 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 3 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 1,385 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,870 by 2033. The structure is 1,413 ft (430.7 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 149.1 mi (240 km).

CarriesOld US34
CrossesMissouri River
Location2E Plattsmouth
RouteCity Street 34
Coordinates41.001, -95.8669
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating38.6 US tons
Inventory rating23.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+4 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length1,413 ft (430.7 m)
Longest span402 ft (122.5 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.4 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,385 (2012)
Projected traffic1,870 by 2033
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed149.1 mi (240 km)
TollToll bridge
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerOther Local Agency
Maintained byOther Local Agency
Historic statusListed on 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 Old US34 over Missouri River built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2008.

What condition is Old US34 over Missouri River 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Old US34 over Missouri River carry?

About 1,385 vehicles per day (2012 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Old US34 over Missouri River?

The structure is 1,413 ft (430.7 m) long with a longest span of 402 ft (122.5 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Old US34 over Missouri River?

It is owned by the Other Local Agency.