US Bridges

Ia 281 over Little Wapsipinicon Rvr

Fair

Buchanan County, Iowa · 0.2 Mi. E of SR V62 · Structure no. 000000000603990

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
142 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,670
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 281 over Little Wapsipinicon Rvr is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 281 over Little Wapsipinicon Rvr in Buchanan County, Iowa. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 71 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.

It carries about 2,670 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,670 by 2043. The structure is 142 ft (43.3 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 281
CrossesLittle Wapsipinicon Rvr
Location0.2 Mi. E of SR V62
RouteState Highway 281
CountyBuchanan County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.63928, -92.05264
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating72.8 US tons
Inventory rating43.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length142 ft (43.3 m)
Longest span71 ft (21.6 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,670 (2022)
Projected traffic2,670 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Ia 281 over Little Wapsipinicon Rvr built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is Ia 281 over Little Wapsipinicon Rvr 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Ia 281 over Little Wapsipinicon Rvr carry?

About 2,670 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Ia 281 over Little Wapsipinicon Rvr?

The structure is 142 ft (43.3 m) long with a longest span of 71 ft (21.6 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 281 over Little Wapsipinicon Rvr?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.