US Bridges

County Highway over Niobrara River

PoorPosted for load

Cherry County, Nebraska · 2.5E 10.5S of Kilgore · Structure no. C0E1631903P

Built
1913
112 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
101 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
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 1913, so it is 112 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 10 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 12 by 2033. The structure is 101 ft (30.8 m) long and 15 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesNiobrara River
Location2.5E 10.5S of Kilgore
RouteCounty Highway EP319
CountyCherry County
StateNebraska
Coordinates42.7868, -100.9256
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to 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
Design loadUnknown
Structure length101 ft (30.8 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.7 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2003)
Projected traffic12 by 2033
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over Niobrara River built?

It was built in 1913, making it 112 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 10 vehicles per day (2003 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is County Highway over Niobrara River?

The structure is 101 ft (30.8 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Niobrara River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.