US Bridges

US 71 over Four Mile Creek

Fair

Cass County, Iowa · 2.1 Mi. N of N Jct. 92 · Structure no. 000000000017540

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,280
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 over Four Mile Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 71 over Four Mile Creek in Cass County, Iowa. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 2,280 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,280 by 2043. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

CarriesUS 71
CrossesFour Mile Creek
Location2.1 Mi. N of N Jct. 92
RouteU.S. Route 71
StateIowa
Coordinates41.29009, -94.9844
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99.8 US tons
Inventory rating65.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,280 (2022)
Projected traffic2,280 by 2043
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 Four Mile Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 71 over Four Mile Creek 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does US 71 over Four Mile Creek carry?

About 2,280 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US 71 over Four Mile Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 71 over Four Mile Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.