US Bridges

N78 over Republican River

Fair

Webster County, Nebraska · .4S Guide Rock · Structure no. S078 00423

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
424 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
380
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

N78 over Republican River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying N78 over Republican River in Webster County, Nebraska. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 380 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 437 by 2038. The structure is 424 ft (129.2 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 217.5 mi (350 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN78
CrossesRepublican River
Location.4S Guide Rock
RouteState Highway 78
CountyWebster County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.064, -98.3303
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.3 US tons
Inventory rating37.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length424 ft (129.2 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.6 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.1 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic380 (2018)
Projected traffic437 by 2038
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed217.5 mi (350 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 N78 over Republican River built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is N78 over Republican 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does N78 over Republican River carry?

About 380 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is N78 over Republican River?

The structure is 424 ft (129.2 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.6 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns N78 over Republican River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.