US Bridges

US26 over North Platte River

Fair

Garden County, Nebraska · 2SE Lewellen · Structure no. S026 11954

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
351 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
1,615
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US26 over North Platte River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US26 over North Platte River in Garden County, Nebraska. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 86 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 1,615 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,100 by 2038. The structure is 351 ft (107 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS26
CrossesNorth Platte River
Location2SE Lewellen
RouteU.S. Route 26
CountyGarden County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.312, -102.1256
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.8 US tons
Inventory rating24.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadUnknown
Structure length351 ft (107 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,615 (2018)
Projected traffic2,100 by 2038
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.1 mi (50 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 US26 over North Platte River built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is US26 over North Platte 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does US26 over North Platte River carry?

About 1,615 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is US26 over North Platte River?

The structure is 351 ft (107 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US26 over North Platte River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.