US Bridges

Local over Middle River

PoorPosted for load

Adair County, Iowa · 077320101 · Structure no. 000000000058010

Built
1915
110 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
91 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
29
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Middle River is a steel truss - thru carrying Local over Middle River in Adair County, Iowa. It was built in 1915, so it is 110 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 29 vehicles a day, projected to reach 29 by 2044. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesMiddle River
Location077320101
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyAdair County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.50381, -94.48877
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating26.7 US tons
Inventory rating18.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.2 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29 (2022)
Projected traffic29 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Middle River built?

It was built in 1915, making it 110 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Middle River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does Local over Middle River carry?

About 29 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Middle River?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Middle River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.