US Bridges

Local over South Branch Lizard

PoorClosed to traffic

Calhoun County, Iowa · 089310301 · Structure no. 000000000092410

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
87 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over South Branch Lizard is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over South Branch Lizard in Calhoun County, Iowa. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 0 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: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2043. The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesSouth Branch Lizard
Location089310301
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCalhoun County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.55887, -94.49108
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
Deck0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Superstructure0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Substructure0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length87 ft (26.5 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2022)
Projected traffic20 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.1 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over South Branch Lizard built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over South Branch Lizard 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 2023.

How much traffic does Local over South Branch Lizard carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over South Branch Lizard?

The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Local over South Branch Lizard?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.