US Bridges

County Highway over Niobrara River

FairPosted for load

Cherry County, Nebraska · 9E Valentine · Structure no. C0E1637705P

Built
1920
105 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
151 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 1920 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 105 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 6 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 35 vehicles a day, projected to reach 42 by 2033. The structure is 151 ft (46 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 87 mi (140 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesNiobrara River
Location9E Valentine
RouteCounty Highway 0P377
CountyCherry County
StateNebraska
Coordinates42.9019, -100.3627
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating17.6 US tons
Inventory rating9.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length151 ft (46 m)
Longest span150 ft (45.7 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.2 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 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 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

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 35 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Highway over Niobrara River?

The structure is 151 ft (46 m) long with a longest span of 150 ft (45.7 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Niobrara River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.