US Bridges

Ia 281 over Wapsipinicon River

Fair

Black Hawk County, Iowa · 2.2 Mi. E of S.R. C57 · Structure no. 000000000076011

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
389 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,240
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 281 over Wapsipinicon River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 281 over Wapsipinicon River in Black Hawk County, Iowa. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 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 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 1,240 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,240 by 2044. The structure is 389 ft (118.6 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

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CarriesIa 281
CrossesWapsipinicon River
Location2.2 Mi. E of S.R. C57
RouteState Highway 281
CountyBlack Hawk County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.63505, -92.14464
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating99.8 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length389 ft (118.6 m)
Longest span97 ft (29.6 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.9 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,240 (2022)
Projected traffic1,240 by 2044
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 281 over Wapsipinicon River built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 281 over Wapsipinicon River 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 2024.

How much traffic does Ia 281 over Wapsipinicon River carry?

About 1,240 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is Ia 281 over Wapsipinicon River?

The structure is 389 ft (118.6 m) long with a longest span of 97 ft (29.6 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 281 over Wapsipinicon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.