US Bridges

US81 over N Fk Elkhorn River Trib

Fair

Pierce County, Nebraska · 11N Norfolk · Structure no. S081 16877

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
54 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
4,615
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US81 over N Fk Elkhorn River Trib is a concrete culvert carrying US81 over N Fk Elkhorn River Trib in Pierce County, Nebraska. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 87 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 4,615 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,692 by 2038. The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 80.8 mi (130 km).

CarriesUS81
CrossesN Fk Elkhorn River Trib
Location11N Norfolk
RouteU.S. Route 81
Coordinates42.2038, -97.4264
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 inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum 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 spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length54 ft (16.5 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 traffic4,615 (2018)
Projected traffic6,692 by 2038
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed80.8 mi (130 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 N Fk Elkhorn River Trib built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is US81 over N Fk Elkhorn River Trib 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US81 over N Fk Elkhorn River Trib carry?

About 4,615 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US81 over N Fk Elkhorn River Trib?

The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US81 over N Fk Elkhorn River Trib?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.