State Highway 281 over Ft. Randall Spillway
FairCharles Mix County, South Dakota · 1 Mile West of Pickstown · Structure no. CEPMROSD0000002
- Built
- 1956
- 69 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected October 2024
- Type
- Girder and Floorbeam System
- Steel
- Length
- 1,029 ft
- 21 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 954
- 2024 count
- Owner
- Federal
- Corps of Engineers (Civil)
About this bridge
State Highway 281 over Ft. Randall Spillway is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying State Highway 281 over Ft. Randall Spillway in Charles Mix County, South Dakota. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 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.
It carries about 954 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,600 by 2042. The structure is 1,029 ft (313.6 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 8 Very Good | No problems noted. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was State Highway 281 over Ft. Randall Spillway built?
It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.
What condition is State Highway 281 over Ft. Randall Spillway 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 October 2024.
How much traffic does State Highway 281 over Ft. Randall Spillway carry?
About 954 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.
How long is State Highway 281 over Ft. Randall Spillway?
The structure is 1,029 ft (313.6 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.
Who owns State Highway 281 over Ft. Randall Spillway?
It is owned by the Corps of Engineers (Civil).