US Bridges

Iowa 122 over Ideal Creek

Fair

Cerro Gordo County, Iowa · 1.2 Mi. W of Sec. Rd. S56 · Structure no. 000000000018841

Built
1952
73 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,930
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Iowa 122 over Ideal Creek is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Iowa 122 over Ideal Creek in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa. It was built in 1952 and reconstructed in 1984, so it is 73 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 4,930 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,930 by 2043. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 70 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesIowa 122
CrossesIdeal Creek
Location1.2 Mi. W of Sec. Rd. S56
RouteState Highway 122
CountyCerro Gordo County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.14804, -93.14616
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.3 US tons
Inventory rating31.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width70 ft (21.3 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,930 (2022)
Projected traffic4,930 by 2043
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
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 Iowa 122 over Ideal Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is Iowa 122 over Ideal Creek 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Iowa 122 over Ideal Creek carry?

About 4,930 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Iowa 122 over Ideal Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns Iowa 122 over Ideal Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.