US Bridges

Local over Buffalo Creek

FairPosted for load

Buchanan County, Iowa · 087071202 · Structure no. 000000000080821

Built
2005
20 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Other
Steel Continuous
Length
89 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
30
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Buffalo Creek is a steel continuous other carrying Local over Buffalo Creek in Buchanan County, Iowa. It was built in 2005, so it is 20 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. Its operating status is: posted for other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 30 by 2044. The structure is 89 ft (27.1 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location087071202
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBuchanan County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.36651, -91.61732
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.5 US tons
Inventory rating37.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeOther
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckSteel plate
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length89 ft (27.1 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.8 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2022)
Projected traffic30 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 2005, making it 20 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Buffalo 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Local over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 89 ft (27.1 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.