US Bridges

120th ST over Buck Creek

PoorPosted for load

Bremer County, Iowa · 093111701 · Structure no. 000000000080210

Built
1917
108 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

120th ST over Buck Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 120th ST over Buck Creek in Bremer County, Iowa. It was built in 1917, so it is 108 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 15 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15 by 2044. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries120th ST
CrossesBuck Creek
Location093111701
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBremer County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.87654, -92.17108
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating27.4 US tons
Inventory rating14.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2022)
Projected traffic15 by 2044
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 120th ST over Buck Creek built?

It was built in 1917, making it 108 years old in 2025.

What condition is 120th ST over Buck Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does 120th ST over Buck Creek carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is 120th ST over Buck Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns 120th ST over Buck Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.