US Bridges

NB-US81 over Union Creek

Fair

Madison County, Nebraska · .5E .2N Madison · Structure no. S081 14288R

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2021
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
202 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,010
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NB-US81 over Union Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NB-US81 over Union Creek in Madison County, Nebraska. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 9,010 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,515 by 2038. The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

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CarriesNB-US81
CrossesUnion Creek
Location.5E .2N Madison
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountyMadison County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.833, -97.4422
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66.1 US tons
Inventory rating38.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length202 ft (61.6 m)
Longest span76 ft (23.2 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,010 (2018)
Projected traffic13,515 by 2038
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.1 mi (50 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 NB-US81 over Union Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is NB-US81 over Union Creek 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 2021.

How much traffic does NB-US81 over Union Creek carry?

About 9,010 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is NB-US81 over Union Creek?

The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long with a longest span of 76 ft (23.2 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns NB-US81 over Union Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.