US Bridges

Local over Shoal Creek

PoorPosted for load

Appanoose County, Iowa · 067171803 · Structure no. 000000000063771

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
69 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
11
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Shoal Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over Shoal Creek in Appanoose County, Iowa. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 125 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 3 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 11 vehicles a day, projected to reach 11 by 2043. The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesLocal
CrossesShoal Creek
Location067171803
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates40.60577, -92.85849
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating26.3 US tons
Inventory rating19.6 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length69 ft (21 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11 (2022)
Projected traffic11 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$792,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Shoal Creek built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is Local over Shoal Creek 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Local over Shoal Creek carry?

About 11 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Shoal Creek?

The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Shoal Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.