US Bridges

US 71 over Bluegrass Creek

Fair

Audubon County, Iowa · 0.6 Mi. N of N JCT SR F32 · Structure no. 000000000014151

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
134 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,280
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 over Bluegrass Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying US 71 over Bluegrass Creek in Audubon County, Iowa. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 2,280 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,280 by 2044. The structure is 134 ft (40.8 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 71
CrossesBluegrass Creek
Location0.6 Mi. N of N JCT SR F32
RouteU.S. Route 71
CountyAudubon County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.75473, -94.93781
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length134 ft (40.8 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,280 (2022)
Projected traffic2,280 by 2044
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 Bluegrass Creek built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 71 over Bluegrass 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does US 71 over Bluegrass Creek carry?

About 2,280 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 71 over Bluegrass Creek?

The structure is 134 ft (40.8 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 71 over Bluegrass Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.