US Bridges

US 71 over East Nishnabotna River

Fair

Audubon County, Iowa · 0.2 Mi. S of SR F58 · Structure no. 000000000014111

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
278 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,380
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 over East Nishnabotna River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 71 over East Nishnabotna River in Audubon County, Iowa. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 278 ft (84.7 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

CarriesUS 71
CrossesEast Nishnabotna River
Location0.2 Mi. S of SR F58
RouteU.S. Route 71
StateIowa
Coordinates41.5872, -94.88984
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating62.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length278 ft (84.7 m)
Longest span92 ft (28 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 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 closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US 71 over East Nishnabotna River built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 71 over East Nishnabotna 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does US 71 over East Nishnabotna River carry?

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

How long is US 71 over East Nishnabotna River?

The structure is 278 ft (84.7 m) long with a longest span of 92 ft (28 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 71 over East Nishnabotna River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.