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City closes Holdrege Street bridge

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BY DEENA WINTER / Lincoln Journal Star

Wednesday, Sep 17, 2008 - 06:15:39 pm CDT

Safety concerns prompted the city Wednesday to close a bridge often used by buses to shuttle college students between Downtown Campus and East Campus.

The 72-year-old bridge that spans railroad tracks near 18th and Holdrege streets was abruptly closed Wednesday afternoon, after city officials said inspections showed it was in worse shape than expected.

Initial findings caused uncertainty about the bridge’s ability to handle current traffic loads, city officials said.

Story Photo
The city closed the bridge on Holdrege Street near 18th Street on Wednesday until further notice because of safety concerns. (William Lauer)

View Larger Map

City officials don’t know whether the bridge will re-open.

“It’s one of those bridges that’s nearing the end of its effective life,” Public Works Director Greg MacLean said.

After a Minneapolis bridge collapsed a year ago, killing 13 people, Lincoln officials said the Holdrege bridge was perfectly safe — even though a federal bridge report deemed it “structurally deficient,” with a sufficiency rating of 35 on a scale of 100. The Minneapolis bridge’s rating was 50.

Lincoln officials said “deficient” doesn’t mean “unsafe” — as long as your vehicle weighs 26 tons or less — even though pieces of concrete were crumbling on its underbelly and rusted rebar was visible in places.

Then in June, the city hired an engineering company to study whether to replace, remove, repair or close the bridge.

That prompted a more in-depth inspection of the bridge by a structural engineering company earlier this week to determine whether trucks and buses should continue to be allowed to use it.

The extent of damaged concrete and a rust on a girder running the length of the bridge on the south side was worse than expected, prompting the city to close the southern 4 feet of the narrow bridge Tuesday night.

Officials took a look at the bridge early Wednesday, drilling holes and chipping edges, and decided to close it to vehicles, although bikes and pedestrians can still use it.

“Pieces were starting to fall off,” MacLean said. “I don’t think there’s a danger of the whole thing falling down, but certainly the railing on the south side and the southern girder are at risk.“

The last time the city put money into the bridge was in 1980, when it received minor upgrades, MacLean said.

“This is a prime example of our deteriorating infrastructure,” he said.

The results of the study should be ready in a week or two and then a decision on the bridge’s future will be made, said Randy Hoskins of the public works department.

Hoskins said traffic on the bridge has dropped from 17,300 cars a day before the Antelope Valley Project, and is now down to about 5,000 vehicles daily.

It’s possible the bridge will be re-opened to cars, but not trucks.

When the east leg of the Antelope Valley Big X bridge is done in a year or two, traffic volume on the Holdrege bridge is expected to drop more, but trains run under the bridge to a concrete plant and lumber yard — so the bridge will have to be removed, replaced or converted to an at-grade crossing.

No official detour has been set up, but most traffic is expected to move to Vine Street.

Reach Deena Winter at 473-2642 or dwinter@journalstar.com.


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Larry wrote on September 17, 2008 3:37 pm:
" Let's bet this will work into the Antelope Valley Project somehow. "

 Jerry wrote on September 17, 2008 3:52 pm:
" Larry, I bet you are right, or this is just to old for the University of Nebraska, so they want a new bridge. You know this is close to the Fair grounds and that will be the University's in two years. If closed now, the city will have to pay for fixing or replacing it. I guess this is a no win situation. Since our tax dollars are for the city and the University, I guess we the people will pay for it anyway. "

 Right wrote on September 17, 2008 4:17 pm:
" Suddenly unsafe under a third of the traffic? Methinks Larry is right. "

 Hmmm... wrote on September 17, 2008 5:12 pm:
" That's all we need. Another east-wset route closed. Soon we will no longer be able to travel in lincoln at all. It's about that way now, considering the lack of maintenance and deteriorating roadways we currently are forced to endure. "

 Scott wrote on September 17, 2008 5:21 pm:
" I was thinking that UNL must have told the City to close it, hence the City immediately sits up on their hind legs and barks. Whatever the University of Nowledge wants, the University of Nowledge gets.

Scott "

 Larry Moe and Curly wrote on September 17, 2008 5:30 pm:
" Perhaps (gasp!) it's REALLY closed for safety-sake! You'd really be complaining if it collapsed, ala-Minneapolis. Geez the cynicism today (and lately) is getting ridiculous. "

 ILUVDMBPSTRS wrote on September 17, 2008 5:36 pm:
" Yeah, lets ignore the fact that the bridge is 72 years old or the fact that it hasn't been repaired since before I was born or the fact that 5,200 cars is still a significant volume of traffic or if the bridge were to collapse with a single car on it people would go nuts. Yeah, lets just find anything and everything imaginable to complain about the University. "Methinks" that this anti-University bias is ridiculous, grow up or please leave. "

 ScooterE wrote on September 17, 2008 6:09 pm:
" All the nay sayers should walk that bridge and they will clearly see the deterioration. Not to mention that each time a train goes under it, the vibration takes its toll. "

 go look wrote on September 17, 2008 6:48 pm:
" Just go look at the underneath of the bridge it should have been closed a long long time ago!!! "

 Eric wrote on September 17, 2008 7:13 pm:
" This is just another prime example of the absolutely dismal state of roads and bridges in Lincoln. You dont need to go very far to see that street maintenance and repair are not a top priority in Lincoln. Way to go cit of Lincoln. Put money into everything but street maintenance. Better start doing something soon or it will really get bad. "

 Not a UNL clone wrote on September 17, 2008 7:42 pm:
" The bridge may be bad but of course the university will benefit. As for you that don't get the cynical nature of most of us maybe it is because money appears to be growing on trees around UNL while the rest of the city and it's infrastructure continue to erode. As for those of you who say leave and don't complain, I would ask if you have ever heard of the Boston Tea Party? There have been those who have had problems with taxes being abused before. "

 Answers wrote on September 17, 2008 8:02 pm:
" Makes me wonder how many other bridges are currently 'safe', but could immediately be shut down tomorrow after someone comes along and does an in depth inspection. Look around Lincoln leaders - this isn't the only bridge in town falling apart. No bridge goes from 'safe' to 'closed' in such a short time frame unless inspections were poor or there was an event such as a wreck which caused the quick change. "

 Northeast wrote on September 17, 2008 8:08 pm:
" I think the University is a wonderful asset to Lincoln. In fact, it is the largest asset that the state of Nebraska owns. I personally like it whenever we can upgrade the university. It is the number one symbol of our state and so we need to keep it as pristine as possible... as for the bridge, I use to run over it when I lived closer to the University area. It is visibly in terrible shape. Not only that, it is unsafe for pedestrians that use the sidewalk on it. You really do feel like you're going to get hit. "

 RE Eric wrote on September 17, 2008 8:14 pm:
" This is quite common nation-wide. It's not just Lincoln and not just Nebraska. Many cities and state are struggling financially, and they have millions of needed infrastructure repairs needed. Luckily the state has a surplus and is financially better off than a lot of states.

Lincoln isn't as bad as you complain it is. "

 tom wrote on September 17, 2008 8:17 pm:
" Heck, it's right next to the fair grounds. Let's move the bridge to Grand Island! "

 RE not a UNL close wrote on September 17, 2008 8:22 pm:
" I've said it before and I'll say it again...my property taxes have remained about the same since 2002 even though my valuation has increased 25 percent. What was $10,200 in 2002 is now $10,800. Big whoop. My state and federal income tax has dropped every year even though my salary/income has increased. My sales tax has stayed the same every year. What other tax is so terrible?? Our infrastructure sucks because it's all being spent in Iraq by you-know-who. Can you imagine what cities could do with over a trillion dollars???

The constant "TAX ME TO DEATH" squad is not completely accurate...it just sounds good to repeat and repeat and repeat until you start believing it. And I prefer coffee. "

 js wrote on September 17, 2008 8:26 pm:
" What does our wheel tax do? "

 JR wrote on September 17, 2008 8:57 pm:
" Ok, so maybe I am a bit dense here, but just how exactly does this benefit the University? I know to some of you, Dear Old U is nothing but the boogie man waiting to jump out of your closet at night when you are sleeping, but seriously, folks. Either come to the game ready to play (have evidence or at least informed information) or stay on the sidelines and let the adults talk.

The reason this is closed is it is not safe. Just walk on it sometime and you will see for yourself. And the reason it is not safe is there is little to no tax money to fix the streets here. Why? Because of all the no tax ninnys, and politicians who promise tax cuts when they know full well we need to keep our infra structure sound. And please, don't tell me your city taxes are too high. Do the research and you will see you are getting a bargain compared to some cities out there with similar weather and population. "

 Darrell wrote on September 17, 2008 9:14 pm:
" Our wheel tax goes to LPS as if they don't already get enough money from the tax payers. "

 go look wrote on September 17, 2008 9:26 pm:
" Larry is right it fits into the antelope valley project and if its so bad it should of been closed a long long time ago as go look insist then why wasn't it closed then it just seems to fit right into the time zone with stages of the antelope valley project just a bit to nicely Mike H Lincoln "

 HUmm wrote on September 17, 2008 9:30 pm:
" Re not in UNL must know somebody. Gee, I lived here 4 years and my
property taxes went up $500.00. The state I moved from my property taxes
went up $300.00 in a 31 year period. State income taxes are double here. There are six houses that have been for sale the whole year in my
neighborhood, prices way below the assessed value, and they can't sell
them. Could it be buyers look at the assessed value and run like hell!!? "

 Debbie wrote on September 17, 2008 9:31 pm:
" You know they planned this from the getgo. They knew this bridge was going bye bye when they started Antelope Valley. The powers that be feed us this stuff slowly. Let's see what Harvey wants. Maybe a tunnel to East Campus for all those empty shuttle buses to ply? Maybe someone needs more space for their cement factory OR maybe someone sees a way to patch together a bigger piece of property so UNL can start another tech park for the taxpayers to subsidize. "

 Zack wrote on September 17, 2008 9:34 pm:
" I would love if Lincolnites could experience life without the University. That school drives this city and its economy. Without it, Lincoln would be another typical Nebraska town, slowly losing population. My hometown of Omaha would love a bigger university, one the size of UNL. But I guess that is the difference between the two cities; one is becoming more progressive and proactive while the other would refer to remain stagnant. "

 Spot on Zack wrote on September 17, 2008 9:56 pm:
" People complain all the time about UNL, but I'd hate to see Lincoln without it. Do you people honestly think about that?? Do you REALLY believe the "powers that be" (or whatever silly statement so many say) have so much control? You're truly dreaming if you think it's anything like that.

As far as the bridge - it's a relief someone is looking out for the safety of Lincolnites. I can't imagine the uproar from the "powers that don't be" if the bridge fell with cars on the deck. Would you blame Harvey for that too??? "

 M wrote on September 17, 2008 10:06 pm:
" I'm convinced a majority of you haven't even seen this bridge. I live 4 blocks away, and use the bridge daily (both as a driver and pedestrian). It's in TERRIBLE shape! This has nothing to do with the university or antelope valley. "

 I wrote on September 17, 2008 10:42 pm:
" I understand cars but can scooters and motorcycles still ride over. They are allowing bicycles and of course pedestrians. Two wheelers aren't nearly as heavy as cars so I think it should be acceptable "

 Erik wrote on September 17, 2008 10:48 pm:
" You would think with the Antelope Project that they'd do something about this bridge and instead, they are realizing that it's in terrible shape and haven't done anything about it until now. Great planning. "

 Harry the Antenna Guy wrote on September 17, 2008 11:27 pm:
" Level the bridge and make it an at grade crossing. Simple enough. No new multi-million dollar structure that the university loves i.e. multiple parking garages in favor of green space. "

 me too wrote on September 17, 2008 11:58 pm:
" M, I agree, how can any complain, it hasn't seen any maintenance since 1980, that's 18 (almost 19) years ago. I remember as a kid even in the 80's thinking this bridge is...crap (compared to many other bridges). "

 brad wrote on September 18, 2008 12:47 am:
" i think that bridge should be rebuilt because too many people depend on that route to get over on that side of town for convence and to get over to the state fair grounds "

 Paul Gaultieri wrote on September 18, 2008 1:15 am:
" So.. All of my and your wheel tax, couldn't help maintain and keep this thoroughfare open.... HMMMMM does anyone else see the ludicrousness of this?? I don't mind paying a tax, when I can see it working and maintaining what I am paying for.. "

 appearance isnt everything... wrote on September 18, 2008 7:29 am:
" Uh, how many people whining about the bridge being in terrible shape are engineers?
Nobody?
Maybe that means nobody who has blogged has any grounds for passing judgement on the bridge.
By the way, rust and crumbling cement can be superficial-- that is what "resurfacing" is for. As long as the base structure is sound (which requires professionals to assess), it could look terrible and still be perfectly safe. "

 dee wrote on September 18, 2008 7:30 am:
" the bridge needs work done on it i say let Harvey Perlman fix it with all of money he would have no problen fixing it. If you want to look at bridges the one on 27th street ear cornhusker is falling apart too it need repair "

 Ghost wrote on September 18, 2008 8:09 am:
" About time. That bridge is unsafe and I avoid it and will find another route rather than go over that bridge. "

 BicycleMike wrote on September 18, 2008 8:10 am:
" We're really a first rate city. Our city streets are in complete disrepair, we can't afford to even throw down some "pot hole filler" now we're going to have a barricade blocking a bridge because it's in complete disrepair. In my opinion we're starting to back ourselves into a corner, one of the most basic aspects of a a city (the streets) are becoming unusable.

Oh and before anyone responds that because I'm a bicycle commuter I'm not paying my fair share. I pay property taxes on my house as well as the very very small sum of taxes on my 40 year old car that I never drive. "

 The Powers That Be... wrote on September 18, 2008 9:14 am:
" This is just a catchy phrase used by the "retireds" (lol, maybe someday that will really become a noun if used that way frequently enough) to complain about something they don't understand. Said it before, but the UNL haters need to sit down and shut up, or MOVE. What does UNL contribute to Lincoln? How about jobs, income, money that comes in as a result of the millions of dollars they acquire in Grant Money, agricultural research advances, education...? Without UNL, Lincoln is Topeka Ka. or Grand Island (with or without the Fair). Educate yourselves before you complain, is that too much to ask? All of the mythical conspiracy theories you like to conjure up is most likely a result of sitting around in the coffee shop or retirement home with too many other retireds and having too much idle time. How about doing something constructive instead? "

 PC wrote on September 18, 2008 9:34 am:
" When that bridge was built, it went over the Rock Island main line. There was alot more rail traffic then. Now the only rail traffic that passes under this bridge is the occasional shipment to the concrete facility just south of that location. I would think a grade level crossing would make the most sense and have little impact on vehicular traffic. "

 Antelope Valley Project wrote on September 18, 2008 10:07 am:
" Of course this is going to be an extension of the AVP, If you travel over the new AVP bridge you see that the Salt Creek Road "T"s onto AVP with lights already hanging there. I think that Salt Creek Road was intended to extend to Holdrege from the AVP bridge. The way traffic flows around underneath to Holdrege is not benefical in its current state in that you have to come down off of the AVP bridge, turn around in a hairpin fashion to get over to Holdrege. "

 Lincoln Lifer wrote on September 18, 2008 3:02 pm:
" I just love the way that "both sides" of this situation know it all!

"The results of the study should be ready in a week or two and then a decision on the bridge’s future will be made, said Randy Hoskins of the public works department."

Why don't we just wait and see what the real outcome of this is going to be before getting all steamed up? "

 NO WHERE wrote on September 18, 2008 3:58 pm:
" Now we have a bridge to NO WHERE!!! "

 Susan Tribby wrote on September 18, 2008 4:57 pm:
" Here's the plan: close Holdrege; cut off life's blood to the neighborhood; let 'em die; buy 'em cheap; put up a parking lot. All roads lead to football. "

 dewboy wrote on September 18, 2008 6:57 pm:
" Anybody remember the Northeast or Northwest Radial projects?. Or better yet, how about the so badly needed (supposedly) south bypass. Seems likes its the blind leading the blind in this town. (peter principle) "

 Dewey Louie Huey wrote on September 18, 2008 7:57 pm:
" I'm sure it will do no good Dewboy (facts and all) but the south bypass is SORELY needed. Have you been on Highway 2 from 84th all the way to Van Dorn? The bypass is in the hands of the Nebraska Dept. of Roads. Check out their website for the full details. It probably won't make you feel any better since it probably will invalidate your "blind - blah blah blah" but if DOR had more funds (rather than Iraq) the south bypass...er, the MUCH NEEDED south bypass would have been built already.

Carry on with the typical chatter... "

 To Antelope Valley wrote on September 18, 2008 11:56 pm:
" I can't believe I even have to write this, but it is pretty obvious where the last leg of the big T intersection will be, and it is not a connection to Holdrege. If you have driven by the site (for example across the now closed bridge) you can see the massive MSE walls that will support the roadway, completing the X layout. There is no plan to connect to Holdrege St. "

 Andrew B. wrote on September 19, 2008 7:22 am:
" This is just an fyi to everyone. I was on a StarTran bus from downtown to East Campus just before noon on Wednesday. Going over this bridge, all of us on the bus heard a loud bang-like noise. After class, on the way back downtown, the bus took a different route, bypassing the bridge. Now I don't know if the noise was related to the bridge falling apart, but as a lifelong resident of north Lincoln, I can say that this bridge has been falling apart for years. So, UNL conspiracy theorists, has UNL been slowly rotting and crumbling the bridge for years? Did Harvey Perlman orchestrate the noise? "

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