US Bridges

US385 over Niobrara River

Good

Dawes County, Nebraska · 27S Chadron · Structure no. S385 14113

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
87 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,890
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US385 over Niobrara River is a concrete continuous slab carrying US385 over Niobrara River in Dawes County, Nebraska. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 years old, older than the Nebraska average of 47.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,890 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,930 by 2038. The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 12.4 mi (20 km).

CarriesUS385
CrossesNiobrara River
Location27S Chadron
RouteU.S. Route 385
Coordinates42.4508, -102.9689
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.5 US tons
Inventory rating27.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length87 ft (26.5 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,890 (2018)
Projected traffic2,930 by 2038
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed12.4 mi (20 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway 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 US385 over Niobrara River built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is US385 over Niobrara River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does US385 over Niobrara River carry?

About 1,890 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US385 over Niobrara River?

The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US385 over Niobrara River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.