US Bridges

Local - 540th over Waterway

Fair

Cass County, Iowa · 074370706 · Structure no. 000000000097541

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
76 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local - 540th over Waterway is a concrete continuous slab carrying Local - 540th over Waterway in Cass County, Iowa. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2044. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal - 540th
CrossesWaterway
Location074370706
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCass County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.22592, -95.14687
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50.9 US tons
Inventory rating29.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2022)
Projected traffic50 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$30,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local - 540th over Waterway built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local - 540th over Waterway 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 March 2024.

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

About 50 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local - 540th over Waterway?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Local - 540th over Waterway?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.