US Bridges

Local - 540th over Waterway

Poor

Cass County, Iowa · 074370606 · Structure no. 000000000097501

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
46 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
72
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local - 540th over Waterway is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Local - 540th over Waterway in Cass County, Iowa. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 years old, younger than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 72 vehicles a day, projected to reach 72 by 2044. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal - 540th
CrossesWaterway
Location074370606
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCass County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.23609, -95.14674
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.8 US tons
Inventory rating21.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic72 (2022)
Projected traffic72 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 - 540th over Waterway built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local - 540th over Waterway in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does Local - 540th over Waterway carry?

About 72 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local - 540th over Waterway?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Local - 540th over Waterway?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.