US Bridges

County Highway over Niobrara River

FairPosted for load

Cherry County, Nebraska · 1N 11E of Valentine · Structure no. C001611605P

Built
1903
122 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
185 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Niobrara River is a steel truss - thru carrying County Highway over Niobrara River in Cherry County, Nebraska. It was built in 1903 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 122 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 8 by 2033. The structure is 185 ft (56.4 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 87 mi (140 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesNiobrara River
Location1N 11E of Valentine
RouteCounty Highway 0P116
CountyCherry County
StateNebraska
Coordinates42.895, -100.3227
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating5.5 US tons
Inventory rating3.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length185 ft (56.4 m)
Longest span149 ft (45.4 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.2 m)
Roadway width13 ft (3.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.1 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2003)
Projected traffic8 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed87 mi (140 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over Niobrara River built?

It was built in 1903, making it 122 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is County Highway over Niobrara 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does County Highway over Niobrara River carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Highway over Niobrara River?

The structure is 185 ft (56.4 m) long with a longest span of 149 ft (45.4 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Niobrara River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.