US Bridges

Ia 21 over Branch Salt Creek

Good

Benton County, Iowa · 0.3 Mi. S of Jct. SR E44 · Structure no. 000000000014421

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,470
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 21 over Branch Salt Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Ia 21 over Branch Salt Creek in Benton County, Iowa. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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 1,470 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,470 by 2044. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

CarriesIa 21
CrossesBranch Salt Creek
Location0.3 Mi. S of Jct. SR E44
RouteState Highway 21
StateIowa
Coordinates42.00265, -92.29776
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.5 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,470 (2022)
Projected traffic1,470 by 2044
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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 21 over Branch Salt Creek built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 21 over Branch Salt 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Ia 21 over Branch Salt Creek carry?

About 1,470 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is Ia 21 over Branch Salt Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Ia 21 over Branch Salt Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.