US Bridges

US281 over Branch of Firesteel Ck

Good

Aurora County, South Dakota · 4.3 S Jerauld County Line · Structure no. 000000002180042

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,104
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US281 over Branch of Firesteel Ck is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US281 over Branch of 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 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 41 mi (66 km).

CarriesUS281
CrossesBranch of Firesteel Ck
Location4.3 S Jerauld County Line
RouteU.S. Route 281
Coordinates43.87535, -98.45154
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating108.5 US tons
Inventory rating65 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 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 traffic1,104 (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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$12,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US281 over Branch of Firesteel Ck built?

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

What condition is US281 over Branch of 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does US281 over Branch of Firesteel Ck carry?

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

How long is US281 over Branch of Firesteel Ck?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US281 over Branch of Firesteel Ck?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.