US Bridges

County Highway over Niobrara River

PoorPosted for load

Cherry County, Nebraska · 5.5S 3W of Cody · Structure no. C001657705P

Built
1916
109 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
91 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
35
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 1916, so it is 109 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 35 vehicles a day, projected to reach 42 by 2033. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 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
Location5.5S 3W of Cody
RouteCounty Highway 0P577
CountyCherry County
StateNebraska
Coordinates42.8491, -101.3197
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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
ScourScour critical; extensive scour has occurred
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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Operating rating5.5 US tons
Inventory rating5.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35 (2003)
Projected traffic42 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 statusNot eligible for 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 1916, making it 109 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 35 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Highway over Niobrara River?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Niobrara River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.