US Bridges

Lembke RD over Mirage Flats Canal

FairPosted for load

Dawes County, Nebraska · 25.8 MI S-Se of Chadron · Structure no. NKA-MF-002

Built
1945
80 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
36 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5
2014 count
Owner
Federal
Bureau of Reclamation

About this bridge

Lembke RD over Mirage Flats Canal is a concrete slab carrying Lembke RD over Mirage Flats Canal in Dawes County, Nebraska. It was built in 1945, so it is 80 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 5 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 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 8 by 2046. The structure is 36 ft (11.1 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 10.6 mi (17 km).

Location

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CarriesLembke RD
CrossesMirage Flats Canal
Location25.8 MI S-Se of Chadron
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDawes County
StateNebraska
Coordinates42.46774, -102.8721
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 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
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating7.5 US tons
Inventory rating5.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length36 ft (11.1 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2014)
Projected traffic8 by 2046
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed10.6 mi (17 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerBureau of Reclamation
Maintained byOther Local Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lembke RD over Mirage Flats Canal built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lembke RD over Mirage Flats Canal 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Lembke RD over Mirage Flats Canal carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2014 count).

How long is Lembke RD over Mirage Flats Canal?

The structure is 36 ft (11.1 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Lembke RD over Mirage Flats Canal?

It is owned by the Bureau of Reclamation and maintained by the Other Local Agency.