US Bridges

I80 over Farmers/Merchants Canal

Fair

Dawson County, Nebraska · 1W Cozad Intrchg · Structure no. S080 22225L

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
87 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
17,540
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I80 over Farmers/Merchants Canal is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I80 over Farmers/Merchants Canal in Dawson County, Nebraska. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 61 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.

It carries about 17,540 vehicles a day, roughly 41% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,294 by 2038. The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 12.4 mi (20 km).

Location

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CarriesI80
CrossesFarmers/Merchants Canal
Location1W Cozad Intrchg
RouteInterstate 80
CountyDawson County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.846, -99.989
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98.1 US tons
Inventory rating58.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length87 ft (26.5 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width56 ft (17.1 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,540 (2018)
Projected traffic19,294 by 2038
Trucks41%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed12.4 mi (20 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I80 over Farmers/Merchants Canal built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is I80 over Farmers/Merchants 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does I80 over Farmers/Merchants Canal carry?

About 17,540 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 41% are trucks.

How long is I80 over Farmers/Merchants Canal?

The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns I80 over Farmers/Merchants Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.