US Bridges

US81 over Union Creek Tributary

Fair

Madison County, Nebraska · 1S Madison · Structure no. S081 14108

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,875
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US81 over Union Creek Tributary is a concrete culvert carrying US81 over Union Creek Tributary in Madison County, Nebraska. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 85 years old, older 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 7,875 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,813 by 2038. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS81
CrossesUnion Creek Tributary
Location1S Madison
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountyMadison County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.8125, -97.4618
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
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 spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 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 traffic7,875 (2018)
Projected traffic11,813 by 2038
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
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 US81 over Union Creek Tributary built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is US81 over Union Creek Tributary 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US81 over Union Creek Tributary carry?

About 7,875 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US81 over Union Creek Tributary?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US81 over Union Creek Tributary?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.