US Bridges

Ia 281 over Poyner Creek

Fair

Black Hawk County, Iowa · 1.9 Mi. E of Jct. SR V49 · Structure no. 000000000015120

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
64 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,080
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 281 over Poyner Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 281 over Poyner Creek in Black Hawk County, Iowa. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 6 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 1,080 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,080 by 2044. The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 281
CrossesPoyner Creek
Location1.9 Mi. E of Jct. SR V49
RouteState Highway 281
CountyBlack Hawk County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.49773, -92.18207
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.1 US tons
Inventory rating15.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length64 ft (19.5 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.6 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,080 (2022)
Projected traffic1,080 by 2044
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 Poyner Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 281 over Poyner 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Ia 281 over Poyner Creek carry?

About 1,080 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Ia 281 over Poyner Creek?

The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.6 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 281 over Poyner Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.