US Bridges

Frontage/Old 20 over Niobrara River

FairPosted for load

Cherry County, Nebraska · 3SE Valentine · Structure no. S020 19981

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Truss - Deck
Steel Continuous
Length
288 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
25
1998 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Frontage/Old 20 over Niobrara River is a steel continuous truss - deck carrying Frontage/Old 20 over Niobrara River in Cherry County, Nebraska. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 94 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 25 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 38 by 2033. The structure is 288 ft (87.8 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFrontage/Old 20
CrossesNiobrara River
Location3SE Valentine
RouteCounty Highway 0P20
CountyCherry County
StateNebraska
Coordinates42.832, -100.528
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating37.5 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Deck
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length288 ft (87.8 m)
Longest span145 ft (44.3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (1998)
Projected traffic38 by 2033
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 Frontage/Old 20 over Niobrara River built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is Frontage/Old 20 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Frontage/Old 20 over Niobrara River carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (1998 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is Frontage/Old 20 over Niobrara River?

The structure is 288 ft (87.8 m) long with a longest span of 145 ft (44.3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Frontage/Old 20 over Niobrara River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.