US Bridges

US 34 over Metz Creek

Fair

Adams County, Iowa · 2.3 Mi. W of W Jct. Ia 25 · Structure no. 000000000013330

Built
1921
104 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
52 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,390
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 34 over Metz Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 34 over Metz Creek in Adams County, Iowa. It was built in 1921 and reconstructed in 1959, so it is 104 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 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 2,390 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,390 by 2043. The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 34
CrossesMetz Creek
Location2.3 Mi. W of W Jct. Ia 25
RouteU.S. Route 34
CountyAdams County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.97897, -94.5132
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating62.2 US tons
Inventory rating37.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length52 ft (15.9 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,390 (2021)
Projected traffic2,390 by 2043
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 34 over Metz Creek built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is US 34 over Metz Creek 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US 34 over Metz Creek carry?

About 2,390 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is US 34 over Metz Creek?

The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US 34 over Metz Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.