US281 over Ponca Creek
FairBoyd County, Nebraska · In Spencer · Structure no. S281 21521
- Built
- 1958
- 67 years old, rebuilt 1986
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected March 2023
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel Continuous
- Length
- 171 ft
- 3 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 845
- 2018 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
US281 over Ponca Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US281 over Ponca Creek in Boyd County, Nebraska. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 67 years old, older than the Nebraska average of 47.1 years.
The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
It carries about 845 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,099 by 2038. The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 68.4 mi (110 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Substructure | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Channel and channel protection | 8 Very Good | No problems noted. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was US281 over Ponca Creek built?
It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.
What condition is US281 over Ponca Creek in?
The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.
How much traffic does US281 over Ponca Creek carry?
About 845 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.
How long is US281 over Ponca Creek?
The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.
Who owns US281 over Ponca Creek?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.