US Bridges

545th ST over Clarks Branch

Fair

Cass County, Iowa · 074373104 · Structure no. 000000000097662

Built
2016
9 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
11
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

545th ST over Clarks Branch is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying 545th ST over Clarks Branch in Cass County, Iowa. It was built in 2016, so it is 9 years old, younger 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 11 vehicles a day, projected to reach 11 by 2044. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries545th ST
CrossesClarks Branch
Location074373104
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCass County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.17162, -95.14701
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.6 US tons
Inventory rating27.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11 (2022)
Projected traffic11 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 545th ST over Clarks Branch built?

It was built in 2016, making it 9 years old in 2025.

What condition is 545th ST over Clarks 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does 545th ST over Clarks Branch carry?

About 11 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is 545th ST over Clarks Branch?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns 545th ST over Clarks Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.