US Bridges

US81 over S Channel Platte River

Fair

Butler County, Nebraska · 4S Columbus · Structure no. S081 10787L

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
116 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,100
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US81 over S Channel Platte River is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying US81 over S Channel Platte River in Butler County, Nebraska. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 years old, younger 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 8,100 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,745 by 2038. The structure is 116 ft (35.4 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS81
CrossesS Channel Platte River
Location4S Columbus
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountyButler County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.3754, -97.3685
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71.7 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length116 ft (35.4 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,100 (2018)
Projected traffic11,745 by 2038
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.1 mi (50 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US81 over S Channel Platte River built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is US81 over S Channel Platte River 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US81 over S Channel Platte River carry?

About 8,100 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US81 over S Channel Platte River?

The structure is 116 ft (35.4 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns US81 over S Channel Platte River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.