US Bridges

Local over Purgatory Cr.

PoorPosted for load

Calhoun County, Iowa · 086323001 · Structure no. 000000000090510

Built
1900
125 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
58 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
34
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Purgatory Cr. is a steel truss - thru carrying Local over Purgatory Cr. in Calhoun County, Iowa. It was built in 1900, so it is 125 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 34 vehicles a day, projected to reach 34 by 2044. The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesPurgatory Cr.
Location086323001
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCalhoun County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.23858, -94.61985
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.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating9 US tons
Inventory rating6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length58 ft (17.7 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.1 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34 (2022)
Projected traffic34 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$990,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Purgatory Cr. built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Purgatory Cr. 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Local over Purgatory Cr. carry?

About 34 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Purgatory Cr.?

The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Purgatory Cr.?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.