US Bridges

L79E US26 to N92 over North Platte River

Fair

Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska · 1N Melbeta · Structure no. SL79E00127

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
60 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,675
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

L79E US26 to N92 over North Platte River is a concrete continuous slab carrying L79E US26 to N92 over North Platte River in Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 1,675 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,010 by 2038. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

CarriesL79E US26 to N92
CrossesNorth Platte River
Location1N Melbeta
RouteState Highway 0L79E
Coordinates41.7923, -103.5191
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50.7 US tons
Inventory rating29.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,675 (2018)
Projected traffic2,010 by 2038
Trucks11%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was L79E US26 to N92 over North Platte River built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is L79E US26 to N92 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 L79E US26 to N92 over North Platte River carry?

About 1,675 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is L79E US26 to N92 over North Platte River?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns L79E US26 to N92 over North Platte River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.