US Bridges

NB US81 over Shell Creek Tributary

Good

Platte County, Nebraska · 8NW Columbus · Structure no. S081 11978R

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2021
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
63 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,875
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NB US81 over Shell Creek Tributary is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NB US81 over Shell Creek Tributary in Platte County, Nebraska. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 years old, younger 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 63 ft (19.2 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.3 mi (60 km).

Location

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CarriesNB US81
CrossesShell Creek Tributary
Location8NW Columbus
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountyPlatte County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.5041, -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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior 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
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length63 ft (19.2 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.4 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 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 closed37.3 mi (60 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NB US81 over Shell Creek Tributary built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is NB US81 over Shell Creek Tributary 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 2021.

How much traffic does NB US81 over Shell Creek Tributary carry?

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

How long is NB US81 over Shell Creek Tributary?

The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns NB US81 over Shell Creek Tributary?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.