US Bridges

Local over Big Cedar CR D D 181

FairPosted for load

Calhoun County, Iowa · 089342802 · Structure no. 000000000092850

Built
1921
104 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
234 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Big Cedar CR D D 181 is a steel truss - thru carrying Local over Big Cedar CR D D 181 in Calhoun County, Iowa. It was built in 1921, so it is 104 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2044. The structure is 234 ft (71.3 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesBig Cedar CR D D 181
Location089342802
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCalhoun County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.49648, -94.87482
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating23.9 US tons
Inventory rating15.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length234 ft (71.3 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2022)
Projected traffic20 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$3 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Big Cedar CR D D 181 built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Big Cedar CR D D 181 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 Local over Big Cedar CR D D 181 carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Big Cedar CR D D 181?

The structure is 234 ft (71.3 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Big Cedar CR D D 181?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.