US Bridges

US26 over North Platte River

Fair

Morrill County, Nebraska · Wjct US26/N92 .9N · Structure no. S026 04791

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
542 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,325
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 Morrill County, Nebraska. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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 1,325 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,723 by 2038. The structure is 542 ft (165.2 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 130.5 mi (210 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS26
CrossesNorth Platte River
LocationWjct US26/N92 .9N
RouteU.S. Route 26
CountyMorrill County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.7298, -103.3239
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.3 US tons
Inventory rating27.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadUnknown
Structure length542 ft (165.2 m)
Longest span96 ft (29.3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,325 (2018)
Projected traffic1,723 by 2038
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed130.5 mi (210 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 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

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 May 2024.

How much traffic does US26 over North Platte River carry?

About 1,325 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US26 over North Platte River?

The structure is 542 ft (165.2 m) long with a longest span of 96 ft (29.3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US26 over North Platte River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.