US Bridges

1st ST W over Wapsipinicon River

Fair

Buchanan County, Iowa · T89N-R9W-S34-N0.0-E85.2 · Structure no. 000000000015820

Built
1917
108 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete Continuous
Length
256 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,258
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

1st ST W over Wapsipinicon River is a concrete continuous arch - deck carrying 1st ST W over Wapsipinicon River in Buchanan County, Iowa. It was built in 1917 and reconstructed in 1986, 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 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 10,258 vehicles a day, projected to reach 10,258 by 2043. The structure is 256 ft (78 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries1st ST W
CrossesWapsipinicon River
LocationT89N-R9W-S34-N0.0-E85.2
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBuchanan County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.4687, -91.895
Functional classUrban 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
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating25.6 US tons
Inventory rating18.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length256 ft (78 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width59 ft (17.9 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,258 (2022)
Projected traffic10,258 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$650,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 1st ST W over Wapsipinicon River built?

It was built in 1917, making it 108 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is 1st ST W 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does 1st ST W over Wapsipinicon River carry?

About 10,258 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is 1st ST W over Wapsipinicon River?

The structure is 256 ft (78 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns 1st ST W over Wapsipinicon River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.