US Bridges

US281 over Stream

Good

Webster County, Nebraska · 0S Blue Hill · Structure no. S281 02635

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1962
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,940
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US281 over Stream is a concrete culvert carrying US281 over Stream in Webster County, Nebraska. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1962, so it is 86 years old, older 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 1,940 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,716 by 2038. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

CarriesUS281
CrossesStream
Location0S Blue Hill
RouteU.S. Route 281
Coordinates40.3282, -98.4439
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36.4 US tons
Inventory rating24.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,940 (2018)
Projected traffic2,716 by 2038
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.1 mi (50 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 US281 over Stream built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1962.

What condition is US281 over Stream 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 2023.

How much traffic does US281 over Stream carry?

About 1,940 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US281 over Stream?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US281 over Stream?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.