Carns Bridge: Commissioners work on plan for funding new bridge

VALENTINE, Neb. - Keya Paha and Rock County commissioners are working to replace the historic Carns Bridge, which has been out of service since 2019. The south approach of the bridge, located northeast of Bassett, was washed away during a Bomb Cyclone that year.

At Thursday’s Niobrara Council meeting, Rock County Commissioner Wade Hollenbeck shared that commissioners are looking to sign a resolution to move forward for funding for a bridge. Because Carns is a historical bridge, Hollenbeck said the process has taken longer. According to the National Park Service, Carns is the oldest state aid bridge in Nebraska.

“Forming an important river crossing in this sparsely settled part of the state, it represents the success of the state aid program in providing major bridges for counties perennially strapped for funds,” the U.S. Department of Transportation wrote on its website.