US Bridges

Ia 281 over Otter Creek

Fair

Buchanan County, Iowa · 0.3 Mi. W of Jct. Ia 150 · Structure no. 000000000016071

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
167 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,330
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 281 over Otter Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 281 over Otter 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 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 2,330 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,330 by 2042. The structure is 167 ft (50.9 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesIa 281
CrossesOtter Creek
Location0.3 Mi. W of Jct. Ia 150
RouteState Highway 281
CountyBuchanan County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.64211, -91.91321
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
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 inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
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 rating99.8 US tons
Inventory rating43.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length167 ft (50.9 m)
Longest span77 ft (23.5 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 closed9.9 mi (16 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 Otter Creek built?

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

What condition is Ia 281 over Otter 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Ia 281 over Otter Creek carry?

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

How long is Ia 281 over Otter Creek?

The structure is 167 ft (50.9 m) long with a longest span of 77 ft (23.5 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 281 over Otter Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.