The NDOT Bridge Design Section offers statewide design expertise for bridge, culvert and related structure projects across Nebraska. The section is responsible for delivering comprehensive plans, specifications and cost estimates to ensure that all structures meet the standards for safety and reliability within the state’s transportation network.
Bridge Design Manual
The Bridge Design Manual (BDM) is the definitive design guide for NDOT bridge engineers, designers, detailers and consultants. This manual replaces the historic Bridge Operations Policy and Procedures (BOPP) as the official reference for bridge design practices and standards. With the gradual release of BDM chapters, each published chapter supersedes any relevant content in the BOPP upon its release. Until all sections of the BDM are fully published, any remaining guidance will continue to rely on the BOPP.
To keep the NDOT bridge community informed of updates, transmittals will accompany the release of each new BDM chapter, appendix or policy letter. These transmittals ensure that the latest standards and practices are communicated promptly and widely. All policies and guidance provided in a transmittal are considered effective as of the transmittal date or as specified within the document, allowing engineers, designers and consultants to adopt the most current standards in real-time.
BDM policy letters are issued to provide timely, interim updates to design policy, addressing urgent needs within the bridge community. These updates will be gradually integrated into the full BDM as each relevant section is completed or updated.
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Recent Updates to Manual |
Date Updated |
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November 12, 2024 |
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Bridge Design Manual – Complete |
Date Updated |
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November 2024 December 2016 |
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Chapters |
Date Updated |
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November 2024 |
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November 2024 |
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Chapter 2 – Preliminary Design |
TBD |
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Chapter 3 – Loads and Load Factors |
TBD |
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Chapter 4 – Structural Analysis |
TBD |
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November 2024 |
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Chapter 6 - Steel |
TBD |
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November 2024 |
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Chapter 8 – Reserved for future use |
TBD |
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TBD |
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Chapter 10 - Foundations |
TBD |
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Chapter 11 - Substructures |
TBD |
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Chapter 12 – Box Culverts |
TBD |
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November 2024 |
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Chapter 14 – Joints and Bearings |
TBD |
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Chapter 15 – Miscellaneous |
TBD |
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Appendix A – Special Provisions |
TBD |
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Appendix B – Base Sheets |
TBD |
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Appendix C – Plan Assembly and Drafting |
TBD |
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Appendix D – Miscellaneous Procedures |
TBD |
NDOT Design Consultant Information
This page offers extensive consultant information mainly regarding overall project delivery within the department along with roadway design standard information.
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Structures Research
The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) emphasizes the importance of research to advance infrastructure knowledge and practices, particularly in areas such as structures engineering. Research at NDOT is driven by practical challenges and aimed at developing innovative, data-backed solutions to enhance safety, sustainability and resilience across Nebraska’s transportation systems.
By supporting projects that explore the behavior, durability and design of structural elements, NDOT seeks to improve materials, methods and standards. This research approach not only informs NDOT’s own practices, but also serves as a resource for engineers, policymakers and industry partners who benefit from NDOT’s findings. Regularly released publications and resources ensure that NDOT’s research insights are accessible, allowing for continuous improvement across the state's transportation network.
Recently Completed Research Projects
Click here for a comprehensive list of structures and geotechnical research.
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Bridge Design Forms
Designers - utilize the following form to request design plans for reinforced concrete box culverts. Contact Jake Blessen with any questions.