US Bridges

Ia 51 over Branch Yellow River

Fair

Allamakee County, Iowa · 5.9 Mi. S of Jct. Ia 9 · Structure no. 000000000013590

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
274 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,440
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 51 over Branch Yellow River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying Ia 51 over Branch Yellow River in Allamakee County, Iowa. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 6 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 1,440 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,440 by 2043. The structure is 274 ft (83.5 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 51
CrossesBranch Yellow River
Location5.9 Mi. S of Jct. Ia 9
RouteState Highway 51
CountyAllamakee County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.15525, -91.56824
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.8 US tons
Inventory rating32.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length274 ft (83.5 m)
Longest span105 ft (32 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,440 (2022)
Projected traffic1,440 by 2043
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Ia 51 over Branch Yellow River built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 51 over Branch Yellow River 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Ia 51 over Branch Yellow River carry?

About 1,440 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is Ia 51 over Branch Yellow River?

The structure is 274 ft (83.5 m) long with a longest span of 105 ft (32 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 51 over Branch Yellow River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.