US Bridges

US281 over Republican River

FairPosted for load

Webster County, Nebraska · 2S Red Cloud · Structure no. S281 00423

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel Continuous
Length
644 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
950
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US281 over Republican River is a steel continuous truss - thru carrying US281 over Republican River in Webster County, Nebraska. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 950 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,235 by 2038. The structure is 644 ft (196.3 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 180.2 mi (290 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS281
CrossesRepublican River
Location2S Red Cloud
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyWebster County
StateNebraska
Coordinates40.0628, -98.519
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating33.1 US tons
Inventory rating19.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length644 ft (196.3 m)
Longest span200 ft (61 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic950 (2018)
Projected traffic1,235 by 2038
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed180.2 mi (290 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on 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 US281 over Republican River built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is US281 over Republican River 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 2024.

How much traffic does US281 over Republican River carry?

About 950 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US281 over Republican River?

The structure is 644 ft (196.3 m) long with a longest span of 200 ft (61 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns US281 over Republican River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.