US Bridges

US 20 over S Fork Niobrara River

Fair

Niobrara County, Wyoming · Lusk - Nebr. State Line · Structure no. FDY

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
118 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
529
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 20 over S Fork Niobrara River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 20 over S Fork Niobrara River in Niobrara County, Wyoming. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger than the Wyoming average of 48.4 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 529 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 741 by 2043. The structure is 118 ft (36 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 67.1 mi (108 km).

CarriesUS 20
CrossesS Fork Niobrara River
LocationLusk - Nebr. State Line
RouteU.S. Route 20
StateWyoming
Coordinates42.688, -104.19122
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating61 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length118 ft (36 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.9 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic529 (2024)
Projected traffic741 by 2043
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed67.1 mi (108 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 US 20 over S Fork Niobrara River built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 20 over S Fork 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does US 20 over S Fork Niobrara River carry?

About 529 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 20 over S Fork Niobrara River?

The structure is 118 ft (36 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns US 20 over S Fork Niobrara River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.