US Bridges

NB US81 over Dry Creek

Fair

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

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 1978
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
101 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,500
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NB US81 over Dry Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying NB US81 over Dry Creek in Thayer County, Nebraska. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 1978, so it is 72 years old, older 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 4,500 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,975 by 2038. The structure is 101 ft (30.8 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNB US81
CrossesDry Creek
Location4N Chester
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountyThayer County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.073, -97.614
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.6 US tons
Inventory rating23.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length101 ft (30.8 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 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 NB US81 over Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1978.

What condition is NB US81 over Dry 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does NB US81 over Dry Creek carry?

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

How long is NB US81 over Dry Creek?

The structure is 101 ft (30.8 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns NB US81 over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.