US Bridges

US281 over Elkhorn River

Good

Holt County, Nebraska · 1S Oneill · Structure no. S281 18246

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
161 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,320
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US281 over Elkhorn River is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying US281 over Elkhorn River in Holt 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,320 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,980 by 2038. The structure is 161 ft (49.1 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

CarriesUS281
CrossesElkhorn River
Location1S Oneill
RouteU.S. Route 281
Coordinates42.4453, -98.6477
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating89.3 US tons
Inventory rating52.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length161 ft (49.1 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,320 (2018)
Projected traffic1,980 by 2038
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 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 US281 over Elkhorn River built?

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

What condition is US281 over Elkhorn River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does US281 over Elkhorn River carry?

About 1,320 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US281 over Elkhorn River?

The structure is 161 ft (49.1 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US281 over Elkhorn River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.