US Bridges

US 71 over Lone Tree Creek

Good

Cass County, Iowa · 0.1 Mi. S of Jct. SR G35 · Structure no. 000000000017550

Built
1971
54 years old, rebuilt 2018
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
311 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,830
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 over Lone Tree Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 71 over Lone Tree Creek in Cass County, Iowa. It was built in 1971 and reconstructed in 2018, 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 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 2,830 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,830 by 2044. The structure is 311 ft (94.8 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesUS 71
CrossesLone Tree Creek
Location0.1 Mi. S of Jct. SR G35
RouteU.S. Route 71
StateIowa
Coordinates41.34357, -94.98456
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating84.5 US tons
Inventory rating32.3 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length311 ft (94.8 m)
Longest span105 ft (32 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,830 (2022)
Projected traffic2,830 by 2044
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 Lone Tree Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2018.

What condition is US 71 over Lone Tree Creek 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US 71 over Lone Tree Creek carry?

About 2,830 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 71 over Lone Tree Creek?

The structure is 311 ft (94.8 m) long with a longest span of 105 ft (32 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 71 over Lone Tree Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.