US Bridges

EB US 20 over Pine Creek

Fair

Buchanan County, Iowa · 1.6 Mi. W of Jct. SR W40 · Structure no. 000000000603640

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
243 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,150
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

EB US 20 over Pine Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying EB US 20 over Pine Creek in Buchanan County, Iowa. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 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 4,150 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,150 by 2043. The structure is 243 ft (74.1 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesEB US 20
CrossesPine Creek
Location1.6 Mi. W of Jct. SR W40
RouteU.S. Route 20
StateIowa
Coordinates42.46186, -91.78464
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72.4 US tons
Inventory rating52.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length243 ft (74.1 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.7 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,150 (2022)
Projected traffic4,150 by 2043
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 EB US 20 over Pine Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is EB US 20 over Pine 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does EB US 20 over Pine Creek carry?

About 4,150 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is EB US 20 over Pine Creek?

The structure is 243 ft (74.1 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.7 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns EB US 20 over Pine Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.