VALENTINE, Neb. — Relief may be just around the corner for drivers east of Valentine, as the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) announced that the long-awaited Highway 12 bridge over Minnechaduza Creek is tentatively scheduled to open next week. The project, which cost $2.8 million, marks the end of a significant detour and represents a major infrastructure improvement for the area.

The bridge replacement has been years in the making — more than 15, to be exact — spurred by growing safety concerns over the aging structure.

“There were some cracks forming in the steel that had to be watched,” said Darrell Lurz, the project manager. “It could have ended up being closed if an inspection showed it was at risk.”

NDOT officials emphasized the importance of the project, citing the bridge’s designation as a “fracture critical” structure.

“It is a very exciting improvement. It was a fractured critical bridge for the state of Nebraska,” said NDOT Construction Tech Lead Inspector Keifer Klabenes.

The new bridge is not only structurally sound but also visually striking, spanning a scenic area that made the long construction process a bit more pleasant for crews.

“Always the place where we build a bridge is unique. This is a pretty nice office to be in every day,” Lurz said.

Despite the picturesque surroundings, the work was technically demanding. According to Project Foreman Russell Braun, the bridge features some of the largest steel girders ever installed in Nebraska.

“These are the second largest girders set in the state of Nebraska so far,” Braun said. “They’re 176 feet long and six foot six tall.”

To install the massive girders, a giant crane was brought in — an operation that required major logistics.

“And it took a crane that arrived with 27 semi loads,” said Lurz.

The bridge closure has impacted local traffic significantly, forcing commuters and residents to follow a 20-mile detour marked with over 200 traffic control signs.

“When we can get rid of 200 signs for the detour, it will feel even better than Christmas Day,” said Klabenes.

NDOT officials said the bridge is expected to open shortly after Easter, pending final inspections and cleanup.

“It is fun. It is fun, and you’re proud of what you’ve built. You really are,” Lurz added, reflecting on the progress.

Once opened, the bridge will restore direct access along Highway 12, benefiting regional travel, emergency services, and the agricultural industry. It’s also expected to improve traffic safety and reduce wear and tear on surrounding rural roads that have seen increased traffic during the detour.

While no formal ribbon-cutting event has been announced yet, local officials and community members alike are eagerly anticipating the bridge’s debut — and the return to normalcy it represents.

Originally reported by Casey Wonnenberg in News Channel Nebraska.