US Bridges

US 71 over Stream

Fair

Audubon County, Iowa · 1.1 Mi. N of Jct. SR F65 · Structure no. 000000000014090

Built
1923
102 years old, rebuilt 1957
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
61 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,380
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 over Stream is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 71 over Stream in Audubon County, Iowa. It was built in 1923 and reconstructed in 1957, so it is 102 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 2,380 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,380 by 2044. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 71
CrossesStream
Location1.1 Mi. N of Jct. SR F65
RouteU.S. Route 71
CountyAudubon County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.55633, -94.91216
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionSeptember 2024
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.1 US tons
Inventory rating40.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,380 (2022)
Projected traffic2,380 by 2044
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 71 over Stream built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1957.

What condition is US 71 over Stream 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does US 71 over Stream carry?

About 2,380 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is US 71 over Stream?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US 71 over Stream?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.