State profile · Near median Poor share

Nebraska bridge safety

According to the Federal Highway Administration's 2024 National Bridge Inventory, condition ratings, load ratings, and Poor-condition shares for every public highway bridge in Nebraska.

15,398
Public bridges
52.9%
Good condition
7.9%
Poor condition

Nebraska holds 15,398 public highway bridges (#16 of 52 by inventory) with a 7.9% Poor share (#15 of 52 by Poor share).

That is 7.9% of the state's inventory, against an average of 7.5% across the 54 states and territories with Poor-rated bridges on file, which places it 38 of 54 ordered from the lowest Poor share upward. A bridge is rated Poor when its weakest applicable component scores 4 or below on the inspecting agency's 0-9 scale, so the category is a maintenance and funding signal rather than a closure order or a live crossing-safety verdict.

Inventory: FHWA NBI 2024 · last ETL August 2026

Total Bridges

15,398

Public highway bridges in Nebraska

Good Condition

52.9%

8,149 bridges rated 7-9

2.9pp vs 50% benchmark

Poor Condition

7.9%

1,217 bridges whose lowest applicable component is rated 0-4

0.4pp vs national avg 7.5%

Nebraska vs national bridge condition

Nebraska - Good condition share 52.9%
National avg

Share of bridges rated 7-9 on the FHWA 0-9 scale (deck, superstructure, substructure all good).

Nebraska - Poor-condition share 26.3%
National avg

Lower is better. Bar maxes at 30% (worst-state ceiling). National average sits at 7.5%.

Nebraska in the national condition pattern

Each point is a state or territory in the FHWA NBI; the highlighted point is this profile.

Inventory size and Poor-condition share are different measures: Nebraska has 15,398 bridges and a 7.9% Poor-condition share in the 2024 NBI, rank #38 of 54 jurisdictions ordered from the lowest share upward. The dashed comparisons mark the national average state rate and the midpoint of the plotted inventory range; neither is a live safety or closure threshold. Scatter plot of 54 data points. 0%10%20%30%40% 0k20k40k60k Public bridges in inventory (thousands) Poor-condition share (%) NE, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 15.4k · Poor-condition share (%): 7.9%AL, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 16.2k · Poor-condition share (%): 3.35%AK, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 1.7k · Poor-condition share (%): 7.89%AZ, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 8.6k · Poor-condition share (%): 1.15%AR, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 13k · Poor-condition share (%): 5.43%CA, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 25.8k · Poor-condition share (%): 5.91%CO, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 9k · Poor-condition share (%): 4.82%CT, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 4.4k · Poor-condition share (%): 4.72%DE, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 0.9k · Poor-condition share (%): 1.26%DC, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 0.3k · Poor-condition share (%): 1.95%FL, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 13k · Poor-condition share (%): 2.79%GA, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 15.1k · Poor-condition share (%): 1.59%GU, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 0k · Poor-condition share (%): 12.77%HI, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 1.2k · Poor-condition share (%): 6.53%ID, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 4.6k · Poor-condition share (%): 4.9%IL, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 26.9k · Poor-condition share (%): 9.35%IN, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 19.5k · Poor-condition share (%): 5.22%IA, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 23.7k · Poor-condition share (%): 19.16%KS, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 24.9k · Poor-condition share (%): 5.26%KY, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 14.5k · Poor-condition share (%): 7.37%LA, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 12.7k · Poor-condition share (%): 11.48%ME, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 2.5k · Poor-condition share (%): 15.41%MD, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 5.5k · Poor-condition share (%): 4.56%MA, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 5.3k · Poor-condition share (%): 8.88%MI, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 11.4k · Poor-condition share (%): 11.27%MN, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 13.5k · Poor-condition share (%): 4.44%MS, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 16.7k · Poor-condition share (%): 6.03%MO, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 24.6k · Poor-condition share (%): 8.95%MT, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 5.2k · Poor-condition share (%): 6.81%NV, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 2.1k · Poor-condition share (%): 1.14%NH, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 2.5k · Poor-condition share (%): 7.51%NJ, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 6.8k · Poor-condition share (%): 6.01%NM, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 4k · Poor-condition share (%): 4.51%NY, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 17.6k · Poor-condition share (%): 9.43%NC, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 19.2k · Poor-condition share (%): 6.76%ND, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 4.3k · Poor-condition share (%): 10.98%OH, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 26.7k · Poor-condition share (%): 4.74%OK, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 22.9k · Poor-condition share (%): 7.7%OR, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 8.3k · Poor-condition share (%): 4.61%PA, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 23.3k · Poor-condition share (%): 12.58%PR, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 2.4k · Poor-condition share (%): 13.92%RI, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 0.8k · Poor-condition share (%): 15.2%SC, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 9.5k · Poor-condition share (%): 6.17%SD, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 5.9k · Poor-condition share (%): 16.36%TN, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 20.4k · Poor-condition share (%): 4.41%TX, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 56.7k · Poor-condition share (%): 1.23%UT, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 3.1k · Poor-condition share (%): 2.91%VT, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 2.9k · Poor-condition share (%): 2.9%VI, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 0k · Poor-condition share (%): 29.17%VA, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 14.1k · Poor-condition share (%): 3.39%WA, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 8.5k · Poor-condition share (%): 5.45%WV, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 7.3k · Poor-condition share (%): 18.64%WI, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 14.4k · Poor-condition share (%): 6.52%WY, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 3.1k · Poor-condition share (%): 6.51%
Inventory size and Poor-condition share are different measures: Nebraska has 15,398 bridges and a 7.9% Poor-condition share in the 2024 NBI, rank #38 of 54 jurisdictions ordered from the lowest share upward. The dashed comparisons mark the national average state rate and the midpoint of the plotted inventory range; neither is a live safety or closure threshold.

Nebraska vs all states by public bridge inventory

Where this state's FHWA NBI public-highway bridge count sits among every state and territory on PlainBridges

15,398 16th of 54 higher than 38 of 54 states

States and territories, banded by public bridge inventory size

Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more states. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.

Source FHWA National Bridge Inventory · 2024

Read the rank neighborhood for Nebraska

The highlighted point is Nebraska: 15,398 bridges and 7.90% in Poor condition, rank #38 of 54 jurisdictions ordered from the lowest share upward. The five jurisdictions immediately above and below Nebraska on that same Poor-share ordering:

  • Oklahoma: 22,917 bridges · 7.70% Poor
  • Alaska: 1,685 bridges · 7.89% Poor
  • Nebraska: 15,398 bridges · 7.90% Poor
  • Massachusetts: 5,295 bridges · 8.88% Poor
  • Missouri: 24,618 bridges · 8.95% Poor

The full national sortable table lives on the rankings page.

Material families in Nebraska

Exclusive FHWA material families across all 15,398 bridges in this state; continuous variants fold into the parent family. Orthogonal to the Poor-share scatter above.

Who maintains Nebraska’s inventory

State agency holds 23.1% of the 15,398 public highway bridges filed under Nebraska in the 2024 NBI, the agency-of-record split for this state, not a condition verdict.

When Nebraska’s bridges were built

Pre-1950 construction accounts for 20.7% of the 15,398 bridges with a recorded original year in Nebraska. Era bands are orthogonal to the Poor-share ranking above.

Condition Distribution

Nebraska52.9%39.2%GoodFairPoor
Bridge inventory deck-condition mix - Nebraska (FHWA NBI)

Nebraska vs nearby ranks

Adjacent states by Poor-condition share (lower share = better)

States are ranked by the share of bridges whose lowest applicable component rating is 4 or below. This describes recorded condition; it does not measure funding effectiveness or live crossing safety. States here sit immediately above and below Nebraska on the same metric.

OK

Oklahoma

7.70% top marginal rate
Structure
Progressive
Burden @ $100K
$22,917

AK

Alaska

7.89% top marginal rate
Structure
Progressive
Burden @ $100K
$1,685
Selected

NE

Nebraska

7.90% top marginal rate
Structure
Progressive
Burden @ $100K
$15,398

MA

Massachusetts

8.88% top marginal rate
Structure
Progressive
Burden @ $100K
$5,295

MO

Missouri

8.95% top marginal rate
Structure
Progressive
Burden @ $100K
$24,618

Bridges Needing Most Attention in Nebraska

Six lowest-condition bridges in Nebraska, ranked by the portal's composite display score. Inspection intervals are risk-based under current NBIS rules.

All Bridges in Nebraska

US138

Good

Over: WALRATH DRAW

5SW BIG SPRINGS, Deuel, NE

Built 2013 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 375

US138

Good

Over: DRY CREEK

JCT I80/US138 1.8NE, Deuel, NE

Built 1986 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 375

US138

Good

Over: STREAM

JCT I80/US138 3.2NE, Deuel, NE

Built 1986 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 375

US138

Good

Over: STREAM

IN BIG SPRINGS, Deuel, NE

Built 2013 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 375

US159

Good

Over: BERARD CREEK

4E FALLS CITY, Richardson, NE

Built 1995 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 1,580

US159

Good

Over: STREAM

4E FALLS CITY, Richardson, NE

Built 1999 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 1,580

US183

Good

Over: SACRAMENTO CREEK

0N HOLDREGE, Phelps, NE

Built 1996 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 4,935

US183

Good

Over: PHELPS COUNTY CANAL

4N HOLDREGE, Phelps, NE

Built 1995 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 3,795

US183

Good

Over: OTTER CREEK

6N MILLER, Buffalo, NE

Built 1969 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 800

US183

Good

Over: STREAM

7N ANSLEY, Custer, NE

Built 1992 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 775

US183

Good

Over: MIDDLE LOUP RIVER TRIB

2S SARGENT, Custer, NE

Built 2014 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 1,275

US183

Good

Over: CANAL #1

1S SARGENT, Custer, NE

Built 2014 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 1,275

US275

Good

Over: STREAM

7SE INMAN, Holt, NE

Built 2000 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 1,840

US275

Good

Over: CLEARWATER CREEK

1E CLEARWATER, Antelope, NE

Built 1959 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 2,815

US275

Good

Over: ELKHORN RIVER TRIBUTARY

1E MEADOW GROVE, Madison, NE

Built 1992 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 4,565

US275

Good

Over: DEER CREEK

2E MEADOW GROVE, Madison, NE

Built 1992 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 4,565

US275

Good

Over: STREAM

7.7W NORFOLK, Madison, NE

Built 2006 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 7,010

US275

Good

Over: STREAM

7W NORFOLK, Madison, NE

Built 2006 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 7,010

US275

Good

Over: ELKHORN RIVER TRIBUTARY

6W NORFOLK, Madison, NE

Built 2006 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 7,010

US275

Good

Over: ELKHORN RIVER TRIBUTARY

5W NORFOLK, Madison, NE

Built 2006 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 7,010

US275

Good

Over: ELKHORN RIVER TRIBUTARY

3W NORFOLK, Madison, NE

Built 2006 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 7,010

US275

Good

Over: ELKHORN RIVER TRIBUTARY

1 E NORFOLK, Madison, NE

Built 1994 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 8,415

US275/N91

Good

Over: UNNAMED TRIB TO ELKHORN

3.5W 1.3N HOOPER, Dodge, NE

Built 2005 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 6,780

US275/N91

Good

Over: UNNAMED TRIB. TO ELKHORN

3W 1N HOOPER, Dodge, NE

Built 2005 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 6,780

COLL 7938

Good

Over: US275

.25E VALLEY, Douglas, NE

Built 1998 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 700

COUNTY HIGHWAY

Good

Over: US275

2W ELKHORN, Douglas, NE

Built 2004 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 12,970

US281

Good

Over: ELM CREEK

10N RED CLOUD, Webster, NE

Built 1979 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 1,360

US281

Good

Over: PAWNEE CREEK

1S HASTINGS, Adams, NE

Built 1995 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 3,155

US281

Good

Over: STREAM

1.1N GRAND ISLAND, Hall, NE

Built 1992 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 5,990

US281

Good

Over: TRIB. TO CACHE CREEK

24S ONEILL, Holt, NE

Built 2006 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 1,050

US281

Good

Over: STREAM

13S ONEILL, Holt, NE

Built 2009 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 1,125

US281

Good

Over: BLACKBIRD CREEK

8N ONEILL, Holt, NE

Built 1999 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 1,590

US283

Good

Over: CRUM CREEK

3S ARAPAHOE, Furnas, NE

Built 1998 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 955

N370

Good

Over: STREAM

4E PAPILLION, Sarpy, NE

Built 1992 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 30,705

US385

Good

Over: STREAM

2SE CHAPPELL, Deuel, NE

Built 1992 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 560

US385

Good

Over: LODGEPOLE TRIB

4S GURLEY, Cheyenne, NE

Built 1979 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 2,730

I680 BRG#13N&S

Good

Over: N38

CENTER ST INTRCHG, Douglas, NE

Built 1996 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 154,030

I680

Good

Over: 60TH ST/FAU 5043

72ND ST INTRCHG 1E, Douglas, NE

Built 1972 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 31,775

I680

Good

Over: 60TH ST/FAU 5043

72ND ST INTRCHG 1E, Douglas, NE

Built 1972 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 31,775

L10C GIBBON CNLK

Good

Over: PLATTE RIVER N CHANNEL

2S GIBBON, Buffalo, NE

Built 1979 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 1,580

L10C GIBBON CNLK

Good

Over: WOOD RIVER TRIB

IN GIBBON, Buffalo, NE

Built 1979 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 1,580

L17E SUNOL CNLK

Good

Over: STREAM

1S SUNOL, Cheyenne, NE

Built 1971 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 100

L25B BIG SPRNGS CL

Good

Over: STREAM

IN BIG SPRINGS, Deuel, NE

Built 1983 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 1,465

L31D FRANKLIN CNLK

Good

Over: STREAM

1W FRANKLIN, Franklin, NE

Built 2014 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 455

L41D HAMPTON CNLK

Good

Over: STREAM

1S HAMPTON, Hamilton, NE

Built 1973 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 405

SL44C

Good

Over: FRENCHMAN CREEK TRIB

3W CULBERTSON, Hitchcock, NE

Built 1992 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 505

L51A BRULE CNLK

Good

Over: BRULE CANYON

IN BRULE, Keith, NE

Built 2003 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 1,235

L53C BUSHNELL CNLK

Good

Over: LODGEPOLE CREEK

1S BUSHNELL, Kimball, NE

Built 1971 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 160

WARLICK BLVD

Good

Over: UP/BNSF RR 815-591-J

SCL LINCOLN, Lancaster, NE

Built 1978 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 4,919

14TH ST

Good

Over: BEAL SLOUGH

0.1N CENTERPARK RD, Lancaster, NE

Built 2011 Load: 33.0 t ADT: 24,940

Showing 11,101-11,150 of 15,398 bridges

Data sourced from the FHWA National Bridge Inventory (NBI), latest released cycle. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainBridges.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Data is sourced from the FHWA National Bridge Inventory (NBI). Poor condition is an inspection-record category, not a closure or unsafe-to-cross designation. Consult the bridge owner for current status.

What to do with this

Use Nebraska's inventory picture to drill to a county or a specific span.

  • Browse counties in Nebraska and open the highest-Poor shares first. County list
  • See where this state sits among peers on Poor-condition share. State rankings
  • Compare this state with another jurisdiction on the same measures. State compare

NBI condition ratings are inventory snapshots, not live crossing-safety verdicts.

Every figure on PlainBridges is rendered directly from federal source data, no number is typed in by an editor. Nebraska Good/Fair/Poor shares and county rollups on this page are computed from the same NBI extract as the national boards; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of 2024 NBI release. NBI condition categories reflect the latest reported inventory record, not a live safety, closure, or travel decision.