US Bridges

Local over Br Raccoon River

PoorPosted for load

Buena Vista County, Iowa · 091361001 · Structure no. 000000000084880

Built
1923
102 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
47 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Br Raccoon River is a steel truss - thru carrying Local over Br Raccoon River in Buena Vista County, Iowa. It was built in 1923, so it is 102 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 3 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 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2044. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesLocal
CrossesBr Raccoon River
Location091361001
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates42.71982, -95.07584
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
Deck3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating17.5 US tons
Inventory rating9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2021)
Projected traffic20 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
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 Br Raccoon River built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Br Raccoon River 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Local over Br Raccoon River carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Local over Br Raccoon River?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Br Raccoon River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.