US Bridges

SB US81 over Dry Creek

Good

Thayer County, Nebraska · 4N Chester · Structure no. S081 00485L

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2021
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
103 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,500
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SB US81 over Dry Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying SB US81 over Dry Creek in Thayer County, Nebraska. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 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 4,500 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,975 by 2038. The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSB US81
CrossesDry Creek
Location4N Chester
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountyThayer County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.073, -97.6142
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating89.3 US tons
Inventory rating52.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length103 ft (31.4 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,500 (2018)
Projected traffic6,975 by 2038
Trucks31%
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 SB US81 over Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is SB US81 over Dry Creek 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 July 2021.

How much traffic does SB US81 over Dry Creek carry?

About 4,500 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 31% are trucks.

How long is SB US81 over Dry Creek?

The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns SB US81 over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.