US Bridges

Ia 173 over Indian Creek

Good

Audubon County, Iowa · 0.5 Mi. S of Jct. Ia 44 · Structure no. 000000000014241

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
205 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,360
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 173 over Indian Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 173 over Indian Creek in Audubon County, Iowa. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 years old, younger than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,360 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,360 by 2044. The structure is 205 ft (62.5 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

CarriesIa 173
CrossesIndian Creek
Location0.5 Mi. S of Jct. Ia 44
RouteState Highway 173
StateIowa
Coordinates41.6233, -95.07258
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.5 US tons
Inventory rating42.1 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length205 ft (62.5 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,360 (2022)
Projected traffic1,360 by 2044
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 173 over Indian Creek built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 173 over Indian Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does Ia 173 over Indian Creek carry?

About 1,360 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Ia 173 over Indian Creek?

The structure is 205 ft (62.5 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 173 over Indian Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.