US Bridges

Ia 76 over Bear Creek

Fair

Allamakee County, Iowa · 0.1 Mi. South of SR-A26 · Structure no. 000000000013670

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
278 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
980
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 76 over Bear Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 76 over Bear Creek in Allamakee County, Iowa. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 980 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 980 by 2044. The structure is 278 ft (84.7 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 76
CrossesBear Creek
Location0.1 Mi. South of SR-A26
RouteState Highway 76
CountyAllamakee County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.42673, -91.51104
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating26.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length278 ft (84.7 m)
Longest span107 ft (32.6 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic980 (2022)
Projected traffic980 by 2044
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 76 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 76 over Bear 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Ia 76 over Bear Creek carry?

About 980 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is Ia 76 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 278 ft (84.7 m) long with a longest span of 107 ft (32.6 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 76 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.