US Bridges

Ia 281 over Elk Run Creek

Fair

Black Hawk County, Iowa · 0.3 Mi. E of Jct. SR V43 · Structure no. 000000000015110

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
102 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,050
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 281 over Elk Run Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying Ia 281 over Elk Run Creek in Black Hawk County, Iowa. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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.

It carries about 1,050 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,050 by 2043. The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 281
CrossesElk Run Creek
Location0.3 Mi. E of Jct. SR V43
RouteState Highway 281
CountyBlack Hawk County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.49812, -92.25279
Functional classUrban Collector

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58.9 US tons
Inventory rating35.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length102 ft (31.1 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,050 (2022)
Projected traffic1,050 by 2043
Trucks9%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ia 281 over Elk Run Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 281 over Elk Run 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Ia 281 over Elk Run Creek carry?

About 1,050 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Ia 281 over Elk Run Creek?

The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 281 over Elk Run Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.