Steele City West bridge closed for safety concerns

FAIRBURY, Neb. — The Steele City West Bridge in Jefferson County has been closed indefinitely after inspectors determined the structure no longer meets state safety standards.

The bridge, located on Romeo Road about a half-mile west of Steele City, has been under consideration for replacement since March due to age and poor condition. County officials gathered public input on a proposed design earlier this year. Plans call for shifting the new bridge slightly south of the current location and adding safety improvements.

Commissioner Mark Schoenrock who represents Jefferson County on the project management team says the project is totally funded and managed by the Nebraska Department of Transportation.  The bid letting is scheduled for the summer of 2026.  With the closure now in place, motorists will need to use alternate routes until work begins on the replacement project.