US Bridges

Road 429 over Farmers/Merchants Canal

Poor

Dawson County, Nebraska · 8E of Cozad · Structure no. C002414305

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1977
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
30
2003 count
Owner
Local
Other Local Agency

About this bridge

Road 429 over Farmers/Merchants Canal is a concrete slab carrying Road 429 over Farmers/Merchants Canal in Dawson County, Nebraska. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1977, so it is 90 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.

It carries about 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 42 by 2033. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoad 429
CrossesFarmers/Merchants Canal
Location8E of Cozad
RouteCounty Highway 143
CountyDawson County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.872, -99.826
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; extensive scour has occurred
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36.4 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2003)
Projected traffic42 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18.6 mi (30 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerOther Local Agency
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 Road 429 over Farmers/Merchants Canal built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1977.

What condition is Road 429 over Farmers/Merchants Canal 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 2023.

How much traffic does Road 429 over Farmers/Merchants Canal carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is Road 429 over Farmers/Merchants Canal?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Road 429 over Farmers/Merchants Canal?

It is owned by the Other Local Agency.