In 1992, it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places, as one of the few remaining steel truss bridges constructed in Nebraska during the early 20th century.

[3][4] On March 19, 1908, the Custer County, Nebraska supervisors unanimously approved the construction of the Sargent Bridge.

[4] Building a steel bridge was viewed as more expensive by the board of supervisors, but in the long run they believed that it would save money on maintenance.

[3] In 1960, the route of the highway was moved a short distance to the east, and the 1909 bridge was closed to public traffic.

At that time, the east web of the north truss had broken, but the bridge was still structurally sound, and providing non-public access to a diversion dam.