US Bridges

US 71 & Ia 10 over Little Sioux River

Fair

Buena Vista County, Iowa · 2.0 Mi. S of N Jct. Ia 10 · Structure no. 000000000016181

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
354 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,570
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 & Ia 10 over Little Sioux River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 71 & Ia 10 over Little Sioux River in Buena Vista County, Iowa. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 4,570 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,570 by 2044. The structure is 354 ft (107.9 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

CarriesUS 71 & Ia 10
CrossesLittle Sioux River
Location2.0 Mi. S of N Jct. Ia 10
RouteU.S. Route 71
StateIowa
Coordinates42.89594, -95.15328
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
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating91.9 US tons
Inventory rating42.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length354 ft (107.9 m)
Longest span96 ft (29.3 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,570 (2022)
Projected traffic4,570 by 2044
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 US 71 & Ia 10 over Little Sioux River built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 71 & Ia 10 over Little Sioux River 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US 71 & Ia 10 over Little Sioux River carry?

About 4,570 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US 71 & Ia 10 over Little Sioux River?

The structure is 354 ft (107.9 m) long with a longest span of 96 ft (29.3 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 71 & Ia 10 over Little Sioux River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.