US Bridges

County Highway over Niobrara River

PoorPosted for load

Cherry County, Nebraska · 13.5E of Valentine · Structure no. C001611805

Built
1899
126 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
150 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2
1997 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 1899, so it is 126 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 2 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2 by 2033. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 142.9 mi (230 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesNiobrara River
Location13.5E of Valentine
RouteCounty Highway 118
CountyCherry County
StateNebraska
Coordinates42.8762, -100.2666
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating7.7 US tons
Inventory rating5.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span149 ft (45.4 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.8 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2 (1997)
Projected traffic2 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed142.9 mi (230 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 1899, making it 126 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway over Niobrara 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does County Highway over Niobrara River carry?

About 2 vehicles per day (1997 count).

How long is County Highway over Niobrara River?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 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.