US Bridges

US 281 over Niobrara River

Good

Holt County, Nebraska · 24N Oneill · Structure no. S281 20777

Built
2020
5 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
1,055 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
1,295
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Niobrara River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 281 over Niobrara River in Holt County, Nebraska. It was built in 2020, so it is 5 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,295 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,878 by 2038. The structure is 1,055 ft (321.6 m) long and 47 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesUS 281
CrossesNiobrara River
Location24N Oneill
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyHolt County
StateNebraska
Coordinates42.8052, -98.6511
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating46.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHL 93
Structure length1,055 ft (321.6 m)
Longest span155 ft (47.2 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,295 (2018)
Projected traffic1,878 by 2038
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 US 281 over Niobrara River built?

It was built in 2020, making it 5 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 over Niobrara 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 US 281 over Niobrara River carry?

About 1,295 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is US 281 over Niobrara River?

The structure is 1,055 ft (321.6 m) long with a longest span of 155 ft (47.2 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Niobrara River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.