US Bridges

US281 over Stream

Good

Howard County, Nebraska · 1N St. Paul · Structure no. S281 09391

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1974
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,150
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US281 over Stream is a concrete culvert carrying US281 over Stream in Howard County, Nebraska. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1974, so it is 63 years old, older 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 3,150 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,568 by 2038. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

CarriesUS281
CrossesStream
Location1N St. Paul
RouteU.S. Route 281
Coordinates41.2234, -98.4509
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length43 ft (13.1 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 traffic3,150 (2018)
Projected traffic4,568 by 2038
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18.6 mi (30 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 Stream built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1974.

What condition is US281 over Stream 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US281 over Stream carry?

About 3,150 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US281 over Stream?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US281 over Stream?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.