US Bridges

Local 260th ST over Buffalo Creek

FairPosted for load

Buchanan County, Iowa · 088072701 · Structure no. 000000000081860

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
210 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
60
2013 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local 260th ST over Buffalo Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local 260th ST over Buffalo Creek in Buchanan County, Iowa. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 60 by 2042. The structure is 210 ft (64 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal 260th ST
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location088072701
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBuchanan County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.41324, -91.65699
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating30.4 US tons
Inventory rating19.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length210 ft (64 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2013)
Projected traffic60 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local 260th ST over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local 260th ST 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does Local 260th ST over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2013 count).

How long is Local 260th ST over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 210 ft (64 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Local 260th ST over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.