US Bridges

Local (lwc) over Branch Blue Creek

Fair

Benton County, Iowa · 086090208 · Structure no. 000000000072971

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Steel
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
39
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local (lwc) over Branch Blue Creek is a steel slab carrying Local (lwc) over Branch Blue Creek in Benton County, Iowa. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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 39 vehicles a day, projected to reach 39 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal (lwc)
CrossesBranch Blue Creek
Location086090208
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBenton County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.28567, -91.85571
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating92.3 US tons
Inventory rating60.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic39 (2022)
Projected traffic39 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local (lwc) over Branch Blue Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local (lwc) over Branch Blue 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Local (lwc) over Branch Blue Creek carry?

About 39 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local (lwc) over Branch Blue Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Local (lwc) over Branch Blue Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.