US Bridges

US281/N92 over Middle Loup River

Fair

Howard County, Nebraska · 1S ST Paul · Structure no. S281 09239

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
808 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
5,285
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US281/N92 over Middle Loup River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US281/N92 over Middle Loup River in Howard County, Nebraska. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 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 5,285 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,720 by 2038. The structure is 808 ft (246.3 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 242.3 mi (390 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS281/N92
CrossesMiddle Loup River
Location1S ST Paul
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyHoward County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.2032, -98.4452
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
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 rating70.5 US tons
Inventory rating41.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length808 ft (246.3 m)
Longest span149 ft (45.4 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,285 (2018)
Projected traffic8,720 by 2038
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed242.3 mi (390 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/N92 over Middle Loup River built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is US281/N92 over Middle Loup 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US281/N92 over Middle Loup River carry?

About 5,285 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US281/N92 over Middle Loup River?

The structure is 808 ft (246.3 m) long with a longest span of 149 ft (45.4 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US281/N92 over Middle Loup River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.