US Bridges

US 6 & 71 over East Nishnabotna River

Fair

Cass County, Iowa · 2.3 Mi. W of Jct. I-80 · Structure no. 000000000017580

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
285 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,270
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 6 & 71 over East Nishnabotna River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 6 & 71 over East Nishnabotna River in Cass County, Iowa. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 2017, so it is 66 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.

It carries about 2,270 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,270 by 2042. The structure is 285 ft (86.9 m) long and 35 ft wide.

CarriesUS 6 & 71
CrossesEast Nishnabotna River
Location2.3 Mi. W of Jct. I-80
RouteU.S. Route 6
StateIowa
Coordinates41.46374, -94.94577
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating33.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length285 ft (86.9 m)
Longest span109 ft (33.2 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,270 (2022)
Projected traffic2,270 by 2042
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 6 & 71 over East Nishnabotna River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

What condition is US 6 & 71 over East Nishnabotna River 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US 6 & 71 over East Nishnabotna River carry?

About 2,270 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is US 6 & 71 over East Nishnabotna River?

The structure is 285 ft (86.9 m) long with a longest span of 109 ft (33.2 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns US 6 & 71 over East Nishnabotna River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.