US Bridges

Local over Buck Creek

FairPosted for load

Audubon County, Iowa · 078362801 · Structure no. 000000000067161

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
80 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Buck Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Local over Buck Creek in Audubon County, Iowa. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 15 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 15 by 2043. The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesBuck Creek
Location078362801
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyAudubon County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.53364, -94.99432
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.6 US tons
Inventory rating21.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length80 ft (24.4 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2022)
Projected traffic15 by 2043
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$625 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Buck Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Buck 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Local over Buck Creek carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is Local over Buck Creek?

The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Buck Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.