US Bridges

N43 over Little Nemaha River

Fair

Lancaster County, Nebraska · 1S Bennet · Structure no. S043 01441

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
101 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,940
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

N43 over Little Nemaha River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying N43 over Little Nemaha River in Lancaster County, Nebraska. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 2,940 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,263 by 2038. The structure is 101 ft (30.8 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN43
CrossesLittle Nemaha River
Location1S Bennet
RouteState Highway 43
CountyLancaster County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.673, -96.5065
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionFebruary 2025
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.2 US tons
Inventory rating34.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length101 ft (30.8 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,940 (2018)
Projected traffic4,263 by 2038
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.1 mi (50 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was N43 over Little Nemaha River built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is N43 over Little Nemaha 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does N43 over Little Nemaha River carry?

About 2,940 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is N43 over Little Nemaha River?

The structure is 101 ft (30.8 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns N43 over Little Nemaha River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.