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

FAS 1865

Good

Over: PLATTE RIVER

JCT I80/L-10B .7S, Buffalo, NE

Built 1985 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 1,200

343 AVE

Good

Over: STINKING WATER CREEK

3W 18.5N OF WAUNETA, Chase, NE

Built 2017 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 30

ROAD 5

Good

Over: MAPLE CREEK W FK TRIB

2.2W .7N OF CLARKSON, Colfax, NE

Built 2019 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 55

15TH ST

Good

Over: FISHER CREEK

JCT US275/N32 1.2S 2W, Cuming, NE

Built 2019 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 540

TOWNSHIP ROAD

Good

Over: MUD CREEK

1SE OF ANSLEY #612, Custer, NE

Built 2016 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 25

RD 444

Good

Over: WOOD RIVER

JCT US30/L-24B 15.3N, Dawson, NE

Built 2020 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 130

COLL 7378

Good

Over: BUFFALO CREEK

1S US30 BUFFALO CL, Dawson, NE

Built 2005 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 30

COUNTY ROAD 432

Good

Over: SPRING CREEK

1.5N 1W LEXINGTON, Dawson, NE

Built 1935 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 75

TOWNSHIP ROAD

Good

Over: ELK CREEK

3S 3E OF ALLEN, Dixon, NE

Built 2017 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 20

TOWNSHIP ROAD

Good

Over: HAMPTON DITCH

RD. 7 BET. R & S N.BR., Dodge, NE

Built 1967 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 15

BLONDO ST

Good

Over: WHISPERING RIDGE CREEK

179TH & BLONDO, Douglas, NE

Built 2021 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 2,600

573RD AVE

Good

Over: CUB CREEK

SJCT N4/N15 4.2S 5E, Jefferson, NE

Built 2018 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 145

COUNTY HIGHWAY

Good

Over: WESTERN CANAL

3S 4W BRULE, Keith, NE

Built 1979 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 55

COLL 7252

Good

Over: SUTHERLAND CANAL

3 N 6.5 W OF PAXTON, Keith, NE

Built 1991 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 60

TOWNSHIP ROAD

Good

Over: STREAM

.5W OF BAZILE MILLS, Knox, NE

Built 1996 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 25

TOWNSHIP ROAD

Good

Over: STREAM

5.4N .2W OF BAZILE MILLS, Knox, NE

Built 2012 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 30

IRR/FAS 2645

Good

Over: BAZILE CREEK

JCT N12/S-54D .8S .5E, Knox, NE

Built 1997 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 300

885TH ROAD

Good

Over: HOWE CREEK TRIB

3.7E 3.4N OF CENTER, Knox, NE

Built 2019 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 5

TOWNSHIP ROAD

Good

Over: PONCA CREEK

1S N12 BOYD CL, Knox, NE

Built 1983 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 5

TOWNSHIP ROAD

Good

Over: STREAM

4.7E 1S OF BAZILE MILLS, Knox, NE

Built 2006 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 15

84TH STREET

Good

Over: STREAM

JCT 84TH/SALTILLO .2W .2S, Lancaster, NE

Built 2023 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 3,110

S. 98TH ST

Good

Over: STEVENS CR TRIB(K-162)

JCT US77/US34 1.7S 9E, Lancaster, NE

Built 2013 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 500

14TH ST

Good

Over: SALT CREEK TRIB (F086)

_, Lancaster, NE

Built 2020 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 3,769

COUNTY HIGHWAY

Good

Over: JEFFERY CANYON

.1W 8.5S OF BRADY, Lincoln, NE

Built 2005 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 30

839TH RD

Good

Over: GILES CREEK

1.2 E OF HWY45 & 839TH RD, Madison, NE

Built 2002 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 145

TOWNSHIP ROAD

Good

Over: FULLERTON CANAL

SJCT N14/N22 5.3S 15W, Nance, NE

Built 1992 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 30

COUNTY HIGHWAY

Good

Over: INDIAN CREEK

.5N 2.7E OF HOWE, Nemaha, NE

Built 2008 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 40

721 RD

Good

Over: WHISKEY RUN

4S .5W OF NEMAHA, Nemaha, NE

Built 2018 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 60

COUNTY HIGHWAY

Good

Over: SCOTCH BRANCH

1S 2.1W OF AUBURN, Nemaha, NE

Built 1996 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 40

723 RD

Good

Over: JARVIS CREEK

2S 2.4W OF NEMAHA, Nemaha, NE

Built 2019 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 20

COUNTY HIGHWAY

Good

Over: TRIB TO BALLS BRANCH

3.5E BURCHARD, Pawnee, NE

Built 2010 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 55

710 TRAIL

Good

Over: TAYLOR BRANCH TRIB

.5N 1.2E OF PAWNEE CITY, Pawnee, NE

Built 2019 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 20

634 AV-708/709 RD

Good

Over: S FK BIG NEMAHA RIVER

4S HUMB (634A-708/709R), Richardson, NE

Built 1988 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 35

644 AV-709TR/711RD

Good

Over: STREAM

1.7S2W VERD (644-709/711), Richardson, NE

Built 1935 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 25

COUNTY HIGHWAY

Good

Over: STREAM

1.1S 3W OF PLEASANTHILL, Saline, NE

Built 2022 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 30

84TH ST/FAS 3785

Good

Over: STREAM

JCT N85/N370 2.6S, Sarpy, NE

Built 1972 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 4,260

COUNTY ROAD 30

Good

Over: TRIB N FORK WAHOO CRK

4.3S 3W OF PRAGUE, Saunders, NE

Built 2017 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 20

COUNTY ROAD J

Good

Over: NINEMILE CREEK

S EDGE NINEMILE AREA, Scotts Bluff, NE

Built 2015 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 100

COUNTY HIGHWAY

Good

Over: STREAM

1E 4N OF STANTON, Stanton, NE

Built 2009 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 20

COLL 7665

Good

Over: STREAM

2.7W 2N HEBRON, Thayer, NE

Built 1988 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 55

COUNTY ROAD 26

Good

Over: BROWN CREEK

3.5N .6W ARLINGTON, Washington, NE

Built 2010 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 40

ROAD E

Good

Over: BEAVER CREEK

2S OF BRADSHAW, York, NE

Built 2021 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 60

COUNTY HIGHWAY

Good

Over: STREAM

3W .5N MC COOL JCT., York, NE

Built 2004 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 42

COUNTY HIGHWAY

Good

Over: STREAM

1W .5N MC COOL JCT, York, NE

Built 1994 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 60

COUNTY HIGHWAY

Good

Over: W FK BIG BLUE RIVER

1N .5E MC COOL JCT, York, NE

Built 2013 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 50

WB-N2

Good

Over: WOLF CREEK

2E UNADILLA, Otoe, NE

Built 1997 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 10,975

US6

Good

Over: DEAD MANS RUN

AT 30TH CORNHUSKER, Lancaster, NE

Built 1994 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 27,995

N15

Good

Over: SO FK SWAN CR TRIB

10N FAIRBURY, Jefferson, NE

Built 2020 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 2,120

N15

Good

Over: BONE CREEK

2SW OCTAVIA, Butler, NE

Built 2000 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 2,405

N16

Good

Over: STREAM

8S WAKEFIELD, Wayne, NE

Built 1995 Load: 49.0 t ADT: 915

Showing 13,651-13,700 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.