US Bridges

E. Willow ST over Railroad Creek

PoorPosted for load

Cherokee County, Iowa · 000000000 · Structure no. 000000000001930

Built
1900
125 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
43 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
377
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

E. Willow ST over Railroad Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying E. Willow ST over Railroad Creek in Cherokee County, Iowa. It was built in 1900, so it is 125 years old, older 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 377 vehicles a day, projected to reach 377 by 2043. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesE. Willow ST
CrossesRailroad Creek
Location000000000
RouteCity Street 0
CountyCherokee County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.75044, -95.54872
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating8.4 US tons
Inventory rating6.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic377 (2021)
Projected traffic377 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$96,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was E. Willow ST over Railroad Creek built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025.

What condition is E. Willow ST over Railroad Creek 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does E. Willow ST over Railroad Creek carry?

About 377 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is E. Willow ST over Railroad Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns E. Willow ST over Railroad Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.