Traveling Through Nebraska: The Historic Fort Kearny Bridge
Located near Kearney, Nebraska, approximately 199 miles west of Omaha, the Fort Kearny Bridge is a historic bridge that has been an essential part of the state's transportation infrastructure since its construction in 1958. Although it has been replaced by a newer bridge, the old Fort Kearny Bridge holds significant historical and engineering value, warranting its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
As a part of the original Interstate 80, the Fort Kearny Bridge was designed to span the Platte River and facilitate easy travel across the region. The bridge's construction was a notable feat, requiring innovative engineering techniques to ensure stability and durability. Weighing in at over 6.1 million pounds, the bridge's steel structure was reinforced with reinforced concrete piers and abutments to create a robust foundation that could withstand the harsh Nebraskan climate.
One of the most notable features of the Fort Kearny Bridge is its cantilever bridge design, a rare style that is becoming increasingly obsolete in modern engineering. The bridge's cantilevered sections are supported by three central piers, which allowed for greater spans and increased the bridge's structural resilience. This design was well-suited for the Platte River's sprawling floodplains, where frequent flooding necessitates robust infrastructure.
In 2010, the old Fort Kearny Bridge was bypassed by the construction of a new, parallel bridge that took over its former duties. Although the old bridge is no longer in use, it remains a valuable piece of Nebraska's engineering heritage, standing as a testament to the ingenuity of its architects and builders. Researchers and historians can continue to explore the bridge's design and construction, shedding light on the evolution of bridge-building techniques in the region.
Travelers through Nebraska can still visit the old Fort Kearny Bridge by taking an exit off Interstate 80 and approaching the river from Kearney. The bridge is now often used as a scenic crossing for pedestrians and cyclists, providing a rare glimpse into the engineering expertise of a bygone era.
Since the old bridge is no longer an active part of the transportation infrastructure, visitors are free to explore the structure without fear of disrupting traffic or other activities. Those interested in engineering, history, or architecture will find the Fort Kearny Bridge to be an enlightening visit, with many opportunities for photography and research.
Today, the old Fort Kearny Bridge stands as a reminder of Nebraska's critical role in American transportation history, particularly as part of the original transcontinental Interstate Highway. The continued preservation of this engineering artifact offers valuable insights for future bridge builders and allows current travelers to glimpse an edifice that for decades facilitated regional travel.
The unique and cantilevered Fort Kearny Bridge stands out from more modern bridges, reflecting Nebraska's ongoing importance in evolving American engineering feats.
As a part of the original Interstate 80, the Fort Kearny Bridge was designed to span the Platte River and facilitate easy travel across the region. The bridge's construction was a notable feat, requiring innovative engineering techniques to ensure stability and durability. Weighing in at over 6.1 million pounds, the bridge's steel structure was reinforced with reinforced concrete piers and abutments to create a robust foundation that could withstand the harsh Nebraskan climate.
One of the most notable features of the Fort Kearny Bridge is its cantilever bridge design, a rare style that is becoming increasingly obsolete in modern engineering. The bridge's cantilevered sections are supported by three central piers, which allowed for greater spans and increased the bridge's structural resilience. This design was well-suited for the Platte River's sprawling floodplains, where frequent flooding necessitates robust infrastructure.
In 2010, the old Fort Kearny Bridge was bypassed by the construction of a new, parallel bridge that took over its former duties. Although the old bridge is no longer in use, it remains a valuable piece of Nebraska's engineering heritage, standing as a testament to the ingenuity of its architects and builders. Researchers and historians can continue to explore the bridge's design and construction, shedding light on the evolution of bridge-building techniques in the region.
Travelers through Nebraska can still visit the old Fort Kearny Bridge by taking an exit off Interstate 80 and approaching the river from Kearney. The bridge is now often used as a scenic crossing for pedestrians and cyclists, providing a rare glimpse into the engineering expertise of a bygone era.
Since the old bridge is no longer an active part of the transportation infrastructure, visitors are free to explore the structure without fear of disrupting traffic or other activities. Those interested in engineering, history, or architecture will find the Fort Kearny Bridge to be an enlightening visit, with many opportunities for photography and research.
Today, the old Fort Kearny Bridge stands as a reminder of Nebraska's critical role in American transportation history, particularly as part of the original transcontinental Interstate Highway. The continued preservation of this engineering artifact offers valuable insights for future bridge builders and allows current travelers to glimpse an edifice that for decades facilitated regional travel.
The unique and cantilevered Fort Kearny Bridge stands out from more modern bridges, reflecting Nebraska's ongoing importance in evolving American engineering feats.
