US Bridges

US20 over Elkhorn River

Fair

Holt County, Nebraska · 3W Stuart · Structure no. S020 27627

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1961
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
55 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,210
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US20 over Elkhorn River is a concrete slab carrying US20 over Elkhorn River in Holt County, Nebraska. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1961, so it is 87 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.

It carries about 2,210 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,873 by 2038. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS20
CrossesElkhorn River
Location3W Stuart
RouteU.S. Route 20
CountyHolt County
StateNebraska
Coordinates42.5941, -99.2079
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.9 US tons
Inventory rating24.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length55 ft (16.8 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,210 (2018)
Projected traffic2,873 by 2038
Trucks12%
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 US20 over Elkhorn River built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1961.

What condition is US20 over Elkhorn 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US20 over Elkhorn River carry?

About 2,210 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US20 over Elkhorn River?

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US20 over Elkhorn River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.