US Bridges

County Highway over Niobrara River

FairPosted for load

Sheridan County, Nebraska · #20/S87 12S 6.9E · Structure no. C008117005

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
60 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Niobrara River is a steel truss - thru carrying County Highway over Niobrara River in Sheridan County, Nebraska. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 8 by 2033. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 248.5 mi (400 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesNiobrara River
Location#20/S87 12S 6.9E
RouteCounty Highway 270
CountySheridan County
StateNebraska
Coordinates42.5137, -102.5599
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating14.3 US tons
Inventory rating7.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.5 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2003)
Projected traffic8 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed248.5 mi (400 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over Niobrara River built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway over Niobrara 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 County Highway over Niobrara River carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Highway over Niobrara River?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Niobrara River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.