Major flooding in the Midwestern U.S. beginning in early March 2019 caused loss of life and massive property damage across five states. In northeast Nebraska, the Spencer Dam on the Niobrara River failed, releasing a surge of water, collapsing sections of road and three bridges downstream. In order to mitigate further economic losses and to reestablish safe and reliable routes for residents and first responders during the lengthy rebuilding, two detour bridges were ordered from Acrow.

Components for the projects began shipping in early July. The first bridge was constructed on Highway 281 in the Spencer Dam/Niobrara River area and consists of six spans of 100´ each with an 18´ roadway width. The second detour bridge is on Highway 12 west of the Village of Niobrara and also contains six 100´ spans, but with a 24´ width.

The Highway 281 bridge reopened on July 29 and the Highway 12 bridge on August 13. It is anticipated the bridges will be in use for 12 to 16 months until the permanent structures are completed.