Lancaster County Engineering Department has announced the reopening of County Bridge C-253 on West Branched Oak Rd. between NW 27th St. and NW 12th St.
Lancaster County Engineer Pam Dingman says, prior to replacement, the bridge was a 32 foot long Single Span I-Beam Bridge with a cast-in-place concrete deck and timber backwalls. As it aged, the bridge was regularly over-topped during rain events, creating a flowing water hazard for travelers in the area.
In 2021, this bridge was officially recognized as a clear and present danger to the public, and closed on recommendation of Dingman and approval of the Board of County Commissioners.
Construction crews, with Lobato Construction, LLC, began site preparation in October 2024 and construction continued even through months of bitter cold when heaters and blankets were required to provide proper conditions for the pouring and curing of the bridge’s concrete deck. The completed structure uses three culvert pipes, over 30,000 lbs. of structural steel, and 360 feet of steel pilings for support.
The Lancaster County Engineer’s website has a complete listing of roads currently closed in Lancaster County, visit lancaster.ne.gov for more information.