US Bridges

Local over Prairie CR

FairPosted for load

Buchanan County, Iowa · 089070902 · Structure no. 000000000082480

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 2016
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
44 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Prairie CR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over Prairie CR in Buchanan County, Iowa. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 2016, so it is 72 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 other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 30 by 2043. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesPrairie CR
Location089070902
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBuchanan County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.53819, -91.68772
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity 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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating20 US tons
Inventory rating15.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2022)
Projected traffic30 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Prairie CR built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2016.

What condition is Local over Prairie CR 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 Local over Prairie CR carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Prairie CR?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Prairie CR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.