US Bridges

US81 over Platte River

Fair

Platte County, Nebraska · 2S Columbus · Structure no. S081 10942L

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2021
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
1,157 ft
16 main spans
Daily traffic
9,480
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US81 over Platte River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US81 over Platte River in Platte 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 9,480 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,220 by 2038. The structure is 1,157 ft (352.7 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 192.6 mi (310 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS81
CrossesPlatte River
Location2S Columbus
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountyPlatte County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.3978, -97.3684
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating84.9 US tons
Inventory rating50.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans16 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,157 ft (352.7 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,480 (2018)
Projected traffic14,220 by 2038
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed192.6 mi (310 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 Platte River built?

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

What condition is US81 over Platte 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 June 2021.

How much traffic does US81 over Platte River carry?

About 9,480 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US81 over Platte River?

The structure is 1,157 ft (352.7 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US81 over Platte River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.