US Bridges

US281 over Firesteel Ck

Good

Aurora County, South Dakota · 1.3 S N County Line · Structure no. 000000002180013

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
152 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,104
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US281 over Firesteel Ck is a concrete continuous slab carrying US281 over Firesteel Ck in Aurora County, South Dakota. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 years old, older than the South Dakota average of 48.9 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 1,104 vehicles a day, roughly 35% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,639 by 2044. The structure is 152 ft (46.2 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 41 mi (66 km).

CarriesUS281
CrossesFiresteel Ck
Location1.3 S N County Line
RouteU.S. Route 281
Coordinates43.91932, -98.45151
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 inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: 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 rating58.3 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length152 ft (46.2 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,104 (2024)
Projected traffic1,639 by 2044
Trucks35%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed41 mi (66 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 US281 over Firesteel Ck built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is US281 over Firesteel Ck 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US281 over Firesteel Ck carry?

About 1,104 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 35% are trucks.

How long is US281 over Firesteel Ck?

The structure is 152 ft (46.2 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US281 over Firesteel Ck?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.