US Bridges

Local over Small Stream

PoorPosted for load

Buchanan County, Iowa · 089090402 · Structure no. 000000000082810

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
55 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
30
2013 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Small Stream is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over Small Stream in Buchanan County, Iowa. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 30 by 2044. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesSmall Stream
Location089090402
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBuchanan County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.55398, -91.92457
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating40 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length55 ft (16.8 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2013)
Projected traffic30 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Small Stream built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Small Stream in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does Local over Small Stream carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2013 count).

How long is Local over Small Stream?

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Small Stream?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.