US Bridges

NB US81 over Shell Creek

Fair

Platte County, Nebraska · 8NW Columbus · Structure no. S081 12016R

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
133 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,875
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NB US81 over Shell Creek is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying NB US81 over Shell Creek 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 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 7,875 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,419 by 2038. The structure is 133 ft (40.5 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.3 mi (60 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNB US81
CrossesShell Creek
Location8NW Columbus
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountyPlatte County
StateNebraska
Coordinates41.5096, -97.465
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 inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.6 US tons
Inventory rating29.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length133 ft (40.5 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NB US81 over Shell Creek built?

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

What condition is NB US81 over Shell 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does NB US81 over Shell Creek carry?

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

How long is NB US81 over Shell Creek?

The structure is 133 ft (40.5 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns NB US81 over Shell Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.