US Bridges

NB-US81 over Columbus Genoa Canal

Good

Platte County, Nebraska · 7NW Columbus · Structure no. S081 11938R

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
123 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,875
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NB-US81 over Columbus Genoa Canal is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NB-US81 over Columbus Genoa Canal in Platte County, Nebraska. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 61 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 7,875 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,419 by 2038. The structure is 123 ft (37.5 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

CarriesNB-US81
CrossesColumbus Genoa Canal
Location7NW Columbus
RouteU.S. Route 81
Coordinates41.4982, -97.4649
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68.3 US tons
Inventory rating40.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length123 ft (37.5 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,875 (2018)
Projected traffic11,419 by 2038
Trucks18%
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 Columbus Genoa Canal built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is NB-US81 over Columbus Genoa Canal 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does NB-US81 over Columbus Genoa Canal carry?

About 7,875 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is NB-US81 over Columbus Genoa Canal?

The structure is 123 ft (37.5 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns NB-US81 over Columbus Genoa Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.