US Bridges

Local - 740th over Stale Branch

FairPosted for load

Cass County, Iowa · 074343302 · Structure no. 000000000096830

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
94 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local - 740th over Stale Branch is a steel truss - thru carrying Local - 740th over Stale Branch in Cass County, Iowa. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 77 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 other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 5 by 2044. The structure is 94 ft (28.7 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 - 740th
CrossesStale Branch
Location074343302
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCass County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.16503, -94.77659
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating34.5 US tons
Inventory rating23.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length94 ft (28.7 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2022)
Projected traffic5 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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local - 740th over Stale Branch built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is Local - 740th over Stale Branch 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Local - 740th over Stale Branch carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local - 740th over Stale Branch?

The structure is 94 ft (28.7 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Local - 740th over Stale Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.