US Bridges

Ia 281 over Hunter Creek

Good

Buchanan County, Iowa · 1.7 Mi. W of Jct. Ia 150 · Structure no. 000000000016061

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
78 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,330
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 281 over Hunter Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying Ia 281 over Hunter Creek in Buchanan County, Iowa. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,330 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,330 by 2042. The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 281
CrossesHunter Creek
Location1.7 Mi. W of Jct. Ia 150
RouteState Highway 281
CountyBuchanan County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.64191, -91.93817
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
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 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 rating91.7 US tons
Inventory rating55 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length78 ft (23.8 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.9 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,330 (2022)
Projected traffic2,330 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Hunter Creek built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 281 over Hunter Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does Ia 281 over Hunter Creek carry?

About 2,330 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Ia 281 over Hunter Creek?

The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 281 over Hunter Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.