US Bridges

US 71 over Middle Raccoon River

Good

Carroll County, Iowa · 0.7 Mi. S of US 30 · Structure no. 000000000017191

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
191 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 over Middle Raccoon River is a concrete continuous slab carrying US 71 over Middle Raccoon River in Carroll County, Iowa. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 5,100 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,100 by 2042. The structure is 191 ft (58.2 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS 71
CrossesMiddle Raccoon River
Location0.7 Mi. S of US 30
RouteU.S. Route 71
StateIowa
Coordinates42.06203, -94.87859
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length191 ft (58.2 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,100 (2022)
Projected traffic5,100 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 over Middle Raccoon River built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 71 over Middle Raccoon River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in February 2023.

How much traffic does US 71 over Middle Raccoon River carry?

About 5,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 71 over Middle Raccoon River?

The structure is 191 ft (58.2 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 71 over Middle Raccoon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.