US Bridges

US81 over Norwegian Bow Creek Trib

Poor

Cedar County, Nebraska · 17S Yankton · Structure no. S081 19850

Built
1945
80 years old, rebuilt 1976
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
81 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,475
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US81 over Norwegian Bow Creek Trib is a concrete continuous slab carrying US81 over Norwegian Bow Creek Trib in Cedar County, Nebraska. It was built in 1945 and reconstructed in 1976, so it is 80 years old, older than the Nebraska average of 47.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 3,475 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,039 by 2038. The structure is 81 ft (24.7 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

CarriesUS81
CrossesNorwegian Bow Creek Trib
Location17S Yankton
RouteU.S. Route 81
Coordinates42.6346, -97.4253
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: 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 rating40.8 US tons
Inventory rating24.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length81 ft (24.7 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,475 (2018)
Projected traffic5,039 by 2038
Trucks17%
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US81 over Norwegian Bow Creek Trib built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1976.

What condition is US81 over Norwegian Bow Creek Trib in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does US81 over Norwegian Bow Creek Trib carry?

About 3,475 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US81 over Norwegian Bow Creek Trib?

The structure is 81 ft (24.7 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns US81 over Norwegian Bow Creek Trib?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.