US Bridges

US81 over Pearl Creek

Fair

Cedar County, Nebraska · JCT US81/US20 10N · Structure no. S081 18972

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,410
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US81 over Pearl Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US81 over Pearl Creek in Cedar County, Nebraska. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 71 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 3,410 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,115 by 2038. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS81
CrossesPearl Creek
LocationJCT US81/US20 10N
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountyCedar County
StateNebraska
Coordinates42.5074, -97.4265
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36.4 US tons
Inventory rating24.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,410 (2018)
Projected traffic5,115 by 2038
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 Pearl Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is US81 over Pearl 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does US81 over Pearl Creek carry?

About 3,410 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US81 over Pearl Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US81 over Pearl Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.